Do-It-Yourself Used Oil Collection

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Since 1987, it has been illegal to dispose of used oil in sewers, drainage systems, surface or ground waters, or oceans, by incineration, on the land or in the trash.

In 2002, the US Environmental Protection Agency mandated that the Government of the US Virgin Islands come into compliance with the collection, management and disposal of used oil in the Territory. Under this directive, the Department of Public Works was served with an Administrative Order on Consent, RCRA-02-2002-7301, to develop and operate collection centers for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Used Oil generators. This service is for DIY-ers or residents, who generate 5-gallons or less of used motor oil per month. Since 2002, the program has been managed by the VI Waste Management Authority and it came fully under the VIMWA’s jurisdiction since 2004. The DIY Program provides sites for the collection of used oil from private individuals, or “DIYers”. The DIY sites will only accept clean used motor oil in clean containers that is free of dirt, leaves, or other contaminants.

Businesses, including "shade tree" mechanics, are not allowed to dispose of used oil at these sites. They must utilize the services of a licensed and permitted waste hauler.

Do-It-Yourself Collection Site Locations

 St. Croix

     Department of Public Works, Anna's Hope Compound, Christiansted    
 St. Thomas    

     Department of Public Works, Motorpool, Subbase

     Bovoni Landfill
 St. John

     Susannaberg Transfer Station

Used oil may contain contaminants such as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, chlorides, cadmium, and chlorinated compounds. Oil poured down the drain or onto the ground can work its way into our ground and surface waters and cause serious pollution. One gallon of used oil can contaminate a million gallons of drinking water. Federal reports indicate that used motor oil accounts for more than 40 percent of the total oil pollution of our nation’s harbors and waterways.
The VI Waste Management Authority promotes alternatives to the illegal disposal of used motor oil by undertaking outreach efforts to educate and motivate the public to recycle used oil.
How can you help?
  • You can drain your used oil into a clean container.
  • Do not mix any other materials, including waster, with used oil.
  • Take your used motor oil to a Do-It-Yourself Used Oil Collection site.

All commercial and industrial businesses must dispose of their used oil through a licensed private hauler. For more information, contact the VI Waste Management Authority’s, Environmental Programs Division, Special Waste Coordinator, at 340-777-3073 or 340-775-5031.