Frequently Asked Questions

Used Oil Pickup & Industrial Waste FAQs for DFW Businesses

Straight answers about used oil collection, oil filter disposal, antifreeze pickup, TCEQ compliance, pricing, and scheduling across Dallas-Fort Worth — from a TCEQ-permitted transporter (Permit A86434).

Used Oil Pickup

Who picks up used oil from businesses in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Green Earth Environmental provides commercial used oil pickup across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Garland, Plano, Mesquite, and Grand Prairie. We are a TCEQ-permitted used oil transporter (Permit A86434) serving auto repair shops, dealerships, fleet yards, quick lubes, and industrial facilities.

Is used oil pickup free in Texas?

Used oil pickup is often free for businesses that generate sufficient volume, because collected used oil has recycling value. Green Earth Environmental offers free used oil pickup for most DFW commercial generators, and high-volume locations may even qualify for payment per gallon. Contact us to review your volume and container setup.

How much used oil do I need for a pickup?

Most commercial pickups start around 50 to 100 gallons of used oil, though smaller quantities can often be combined with other waste streams like oil filters or antifreeze. If your shop generates used oil regularly, recurring scheduled service can be set up regardless of per-visit volume.

What types of oil do you collect?

We collect non-hazardous used motor oil, hydraulic oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, and other petroleum-based lubricants from commercial generators. We also handle related waste streams including used oil filters, antifreeze/glycol, and oily water throughout North Texas.

What happens to used oil after it is picked up?

Collected used oil is transported under manifest to be processed and recycled, most commonly re-refined into base lubricants or processed into burner fuel. Recycling used oil keeps it out of soil and waterways — a single gallon of used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh water.

Scheduling & Service

How do I schedule a used oil pickup in DFW?

You can request a pickup online through our Request Pickup form or call (214) 785-3360. We confirm your location, container type, estimated gallons, and access instructions, then schedule your service date. Most DFW locations are serviced within a few business days.

Do you offer recurring pickup schedules?

Yes. Green Earth Environmental sets up recurring used oil collection on weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedules based on how quickly your tanks or drums fill. Recurring service prevents overflowing containers and removes the need to call every time you need a pickup.

What areas do you service?

We service the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding North Texas communities, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Irving, Garland, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Denton, Lewisville, Carrollton, Richardson, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Rockwall, Terrell, Waxahachie, and many more.

Do I need to be on-site during the pickup?

Not necessarily. If your containers are accessible and access instructions are on file (gate codes, tank location), our drivers can complete service without staff present. A signed service record is documented for every pickup for your compliance files.

Compliance & Regulations

Is Green Earth Environmental licensed to transport used oil?

Yes. Green Earth Environmental operates under TCEQ Permit A86434 and EPA ID TXR000085144. We are authorized to collect and transport non-hazardous used oil, used oil filters, antifreeze, and oily water from commercial generators throughout Texas.

What records do Texas businesses need to keep for used oil?

Texas businesses should keep documentation showing when used oil was collected, how much was collected, and who transported it. Green Earth Environmental provides a signed service manifest with every pickup, giving your facility organized proof of proper handling for TCEQ compliance.

Is used motor oil considered hazardous waste in Texas?

Used motor oil managed under the used oil recycling rules is not regulated as hazardous waste in Texas, as long as it is stored properly, not mixed with hazardous materials, and handled by an authorized transporter. Mixing used oil with solvents or other chemicals can change its classification.

How should my shop store used oil between pickups?

Store used oil in leak-free tanks, drums, or totes clearly labeled "Used Oil," kept on impermeable surfaces away from drains. TCEQ requires containers to be in good condition with no visible leaks. Scheduling pickups before containers reach capacity is the simplest way to stay compliant.

What are the penalties for improper used oil disposal in Texas?

Improper used oil disposal — such as dumping, mixing with trash, or using an unauthorized hauler — can result in TCEQ enforcement actions and fines that can reach thousands of dollars per day per violation. Using a permitted transporter with documented pickups protects your business.

Other Materials We Collect

Do you pick up used oil filters?

Yes. We collect used oil filters from auto shops, dealerships, quick lubes, and fleet facilities across DFW. Filters are typically collected in drums and are often picked up on the same visit as your used oil, keeping your waste handling on one schedule with one provider.

Do you collect used antifreeze and coolant?

Yes. Green Earth Environmental collects used antifreeze, coolant, and glycol waste from commercial generators throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. Antifreeze should always be stored separately from used oil — mixing the two contaminates both streams.

What is oily water and do you handle it?

Oily water is water contaminated with petroleum products — common in shop sumps, wash bays, and containment areas. We provide oily water collection for DFW businesses so it can be processed properly instead of entering drains or storm systems.

Do you take used cooking oil from restaurants?

Green Earth Environmental focuses on automotive and industrial petroleum waste — used motor oil, hydraulic oil, filters, antifreeze, and oily water. Used cooking oil is a different waste stream handled by dedicated rendering companies.

Pricing & Payment

How much does used oil pickup cost in DFW?

For most commercial generators, used oil pickup is free because the oil has recycling value. Charges may apply for small quantities, contaminated oil, oily water, or filter and antifreeze collection. We provide clear pricing before service — call (214) 785-3360 for a quote for your facility.

Can my business get paid for used oil?

High-volume generators with clean, uncontaminated used oil may qualify for payment per gallon, depending on volume and current market conditions. Fleet yards, large repair operations, and industrial facilities are the most common candidates. Contact us to review your eligibility.

Does contaminated oil cost more to collect?

Used oil mixed with water, antifreeze, solvents, or fuel loses its recycling value and may require special handling, which can add cost. Keeping waste streams separated in dedicated containers is the best way to keep your pickups free.

Learn More

Still Have Questions?

Talk to our team about used oil pickup, scheduling, or compliance for your DFW facility. Most locations get a same-day answer.