TownDumps

Massachusetts guide

How to get rid of motor oil in Massachusetts

MassDEP directs residents to return used oil for recycling to the store where it was purchased (with receipt, up to stated limits), or to a municipal collection center when available. Some towns also accept waste oil at the transfer station.

Facts checked against Mass.gov and town sources on 2026-11-05.

MassDEP guidance

  • Do not pour used oil down drains or on the ground.
  • Retail take-back: stores that sell motor oil may be required to accept used oil for recycling (up to two gallons per person per day) if you have the purchase receipt, per MassDEP's hazardous household products guide.
  • Municipal collection centers and some service stations also accept used oil. Drain filters before disposal where required.

Source: Guide to Safely Managing Hazardous Household Products (PDF).

Town pages with oil notes

  • Amherst - Collection events; motor oil not accepted at station.
  • Brewster - Waste oil and/or oil filters: No charge
  • Falmouth - Antifreeze, batteries, books, textiles, food scraps, cooking oil, fluorescent bulbs, mercury switches, motor oil: No sticker/fee for listed free drop-offs on fee page
  • Framingham - Universal waste (antifreeze, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury devices, motor oil, oil filters): No charge during open hours
  • Kingston - Waste oil (used motor oil only): See attendant; households only; no solvents or gasoline
  • Northampton - Paper/cardboard, containers, scrap metal under 20 lb (rules apply), food compost, vegetable oil (limit 2 gal), motor oil/gas (under 2 gal labeled): Included with Locust Street permit
  • Orleans - Residential waste oil, antifreeze, gasoline, fluorescent tubes, auto/boat batteries: No charge
  • Taunton - Waste oil (5 gallon/day limit): Free to residents
  • Wellesley - Automotive batteries / waste oil: Accepted in special/hazardous areas per Recycling Guide
  • Worcester - Cooking grease/oil (sealed container; no motor oil): Free

If your town is not listed, ask the Board of Health or DPW about HHW / used-oil collection.

All Massachusetts towns