Item: Used motor oil, antifreeze, and other automotive fluids Jurisdiction: Davidson County / Nashville city limits, Tennessee Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
Used motor oil is accepted FREE as household hazardous waste (HHW) at East Convenience Center (943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr) and Ezell Pike Convenience Center (3254 Ezell Pk). Anderson Lane and Omohundro do NOT accept HHW.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed Metro holidays. Limit: 15 gallons or 100 pounds total HHW per household per month. Eligibility: Davidson County residents only — bring your TN driver's license. Cost: FREE within the monthly limit.
Store used oil in sealed containers (original quart bottles or dedicated oil jugs). Do not mix motor oil with other fluids. Antifreeze is also accepted at HHW.
Do NOT put motor oil out for Sheriff's Office curbside bulk pickup — motor oil is explicitly excluded from that program.
Call 615-862-5000 for HHW questions before you load the car.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary contact | Nashville Waste Services — 615-862-5000 |
| Official hub | Nashville HHW Collection |
| Collection method | Drop-off only |
| HHW drop-off locations | East and Ezell Pike ONLY |
| Hours | Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, closed Metro holidays |
| Cost | FREE for HHW within the monthly limit |
| Monthly limit | 15 gallons or 100 pounds total HHW per household |
| Proof of residency | TN driver's license with Davidson County address |
| Appointment required | No — walk-in during operating hours |
| Antifreeze | Accepted at HHW |
| Sheriff's Office bulk pickup | Does NOT accept motor oil |
| Commercial waste | Not accepted |
| Credit/debit at centers | 2.8% fee ($1.95 minimum) for non-HHW purchases |
Where to Drop Off Motor Oil
Used motor oil is accepted as HHW at only two of Nashville's four convenience centers.
| Center | Address | Accepts HHW / Motor Oil? |
|---|---|---|
| East Convenience Center | 943A Doctor Richard G. Adams Dr, Nashville, TN 37207 | Yes |
| Ezell Pike Convenience Center | 3254 Ezell Pk, Nashville, TN 37211 | Yes |
| Anderson Lane Convenience Center | 939A Anderson Ln, Nashville, TN 37207 | No |
| Omohundro Convenience Center | 1019 Omohundro Pl, Nashville, TN 37211 | No |
Do not go to Anderson Lane or Omohundro with used motor oil. Only East and Ezell Pike accept HHW.
Both East and Ezell Pike follow the same rules: free HHW drop-off, same hours, same quantity limits, Davidson County residents only.
Accepted Automotive Fluids at HHW
Based on available official sources, the Nashville HHW program accepts:
Confirmed Accepted
- Used motor oil — from DIY oil changes
- Antifreeze / coolant — accepted at HHW per official sources
Likely Accepted (Call to Confirm)
The following automotive fluids are commonly accepted as HHW but were not explicitly listed on the pages retrieved during source verification:
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Gear oil
Call 615-862-5000 to confirm a specific automotive fluid before hauling it.
Gasoline, Solvents, and Oil-Based Paint
These are also accepted at HHW but are covered in separate Nashville guides. Motor oil counts toward the same 15-gallon / 100-pound monthly total as any other HHW you bring.
Why Sheriff's Office Pickup Won't Work
The Davidson County Sheriff's Office bulk item removal program is a free curbside option for single-family residences — but motor oil is explicitly listed as NOT authorized for removal.
Do not:
- Put containers of used motor oil at the curb.
- Attempt to schedule Sheriff's Office pickup for used oil.
- Mix motor oil with other bulk items hoping it will be accepted.
The only official Nashville route for used motor oil is the HHW drop-off at East or Ezell Pike.
How to Prepare Motor Oil for Drop-Off
Container Rules
- Store used oil in sealed containers — original quart bottles or dedicated oil jugs work best.
- Do NOT mix motor oil with other fluids. Mixing oil with antifreeze, gasoline, or brake fluid makes it unrecyclable and more hazardous.
- Check containers for leaks — double-bag any leaking containers in separate plastic bags.
- Label the container — mark it "USED MOTOR OIL" if it is not the original bottle.
Transport Safety
- Pack upright in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper or absorbent pads.
- Transport in the trunk or cargo area — away from passengers.
- Secure boxes so they cannot tip over during transit.
- Keep a spill kit handy — cat litter or baking soda in the car can absorb a leak.
Documents to Bring
- Tennessee driver's license with a Davidson County address.
Before You Leave
Call 615-862-5000 to confirm the center is open and accepting motor oil that day.
Quantity Limits and Fees
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| HHW drop-off fee | FREE |
| Motor oil within HHW limit | Counts toward the 15 gal / 100 lb monthly HHW total |
| Additional / non-HHW items | $10 per car/van under 1 cu yd of trash |
| Credit/debit | 2.8% fee ($1.95 minimum) for any paid transactions |
If you bring motor oil along with other HHW (paint, pesticides, etc.), the combined total must stay under 15 gallons or 100 pounds per household per month.
Oil Filter Disposal
Used oil filter disposal rules are not confirmed from official Nashville sources. Oil filters contain residual oil and may be accepted as HHW or scrap metal — but this has not been verified.
When you call 615-862-5000, ask:
- "Do you accept used oil filters?"
- "Do filters need to be drained first? For how long?"
- "Should I bag the filter separately?"
- "Is there a fee for oil filter disposal?"
Apartment and Renter Edge Cases
| Scenario | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Apartment resident with used oil from personal vehicle | You are eligible as a Davidson County resident. Drive to East or Ezell Pike. Max 15 gal/100 lbs combined HHW per month. |
| No vehicle access | Used oil must be transported in a vehicle. Ask a neighbour or friend with a car. Do not use public transit or ride-share. |
| Multi-unit property manager with oil from maintenance | Commercial quantities need a commercial service. Call 615-862-5000 for guidance on commercial disposal options. |
| Landlord with oil from vacated rental units | More than household quantities requires a licensed waste hauler. Residential HHW is for household-generated waste only. |
Auto Parts Store Drop-Off — A Common Alternative
Nationally, auto parts stores such as Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, and O'Reilly Auto Parts often accept used motor oil for recycling. In many cases the service is free for DIY customers.
Important caveat: Acceptance at specific Nashville locations is not confirmed from official sources. Policies vary by store and can change without notice.
If you try this route:
- Call the specific Nashville store before bringing oil.
- Ask: "Do you accept used motor oil from DIY customers? Is there a limit? Is it free?"
- Confirm container rules — some stores require original containers.
- Auto parts stores are a potential fallback but should not be relied upon without calling first.
Safety Caveats
- Used motor oil is toxic — it contains heavy metals that can contaminate groundwater. Never pour it on the ground, down drains, or into storm drains.
- Store used oil away from children and pets.
- Do not smoke near used oil or gasoline during handling and transport.
- Oil-soaked rags are a fire hazard — store them in a sealed metal container until disposal.
- If oil spills during transport, clean up with absorbent material (cat litter, baking soda) right away. Do not wash it down a drain.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling used oil.
Mistakes to Avoid
1. Putting used motor oil in regular trash or recycling
This is illegal and contaminates the waste stream. Used oil is HHW.
2. Pouring oil down drains or onto the ground
A single quart can contaminate thousands of gallons of groundwater. This is illegal and carries significant fines.
3. Putting motor oil out for Sheriff's Office curbside pickup
Motor oil is explicitly excluded from the Sheriff's Office bulk pickup program.
4. Going to the wrong convenience center
Anderson Lane and Omohundro do not accept HHW. Only East and Ezell Pike take used motor oil.
5. Mixing motor oil with other fluids
Mixed fluids cannot be recycled. Keep motor oil separate from antifreeze, gasoline, and other fluids.
6. Transporting oil in unsealed containers
A leak in your car is a hazardous mess. Use sealed containers and pack them upright in boxes.
7. Assuming auto parts stores will take your oil without calling first
Store policies change. Call the specific Nashville location before driving there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle used motor oil? Yes. Used motor oil can be re-refined into new oil. HHW drop-off at East or Ezell Pike ensures it is handled properly for recycling.
Is antifreeze accepted at the same locations as motor oil? Yes. Antifreeze is accepted as HHW at East and Ezell Pike. Keep it in a separate, sealed container — do not mix with motor oil.
How much used oil can I bring at once? Motor oil counts toward the 15-gallon or 100-pound total HHW limit per household per month. A typical DIY oil change produces about 5 quarts (1.25 gallons), so you have plenty of room within the limit.
Can I bring used motor oil in a milk jug? Milk jugs are not ideal — they are not designed for oil storage and can leak. Use the original quart bottles or a dedicated oil jug with a secure lid.
What if I have old oil from a boat or lawnmower? Same rules apply. Small-engine oil is accepted at HHW. Stay within the 15 gal / 100 lb limit.
Does the HHW center accept empty oil containers? Empty, drained oil bottles and jugs can go in regular trash. Containers with residual oil should be brought as HHW.
Can I bring used oil filters? This is not confirmed from official Nashville sources. Call 615-862-5000 to ask.
What about diesel fuel or kerosene? These are accepted as HHW. Store in sealed, labeled containers and do not mix with other fluids.
Does the city offer a pickup service for used oil? No. The only official route is drop-off at the convenience centers. The Sheriff's Office bulk pickup does not accept motor oil.
Official Verification Checklist
- Call 615-862-5000 — confirm HHW hours, accepted automotive fluids, and any special instructions.
- Choose East or Ezell Pike — Anderson Lane and Omohundro do not accept HHW.
- Confirm motor oil acceptance — ask specifically whether motor oil and antifreeze are accepted.
- Ask about oil filters — if you have used filters, ask about acceptance and preparation.
- Confirm quantity limits — 15 gal or 100 lbs total HHW per month.
- Prepare oil in sealed containers — do not mix with other fluids, label clearly.
- Pack for transport — upright in sturdy boxes lined with newspaper.
- Bring TN driver's license — must show Davidson County address.
- Confirm hours — Tuesday–Saturday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, but check for holiday closures.
Sources
- Nashville HHW Collection — Official Program Page — Primary source for HHW rules, locations, and accepted automotive fluids.
- DCSO Bulk Item Removal — Motor Oil Exclusion — Official page confirming motor oil is NOT authorized for curbside pickup.
- Convenience Center Hours and Locations — Hours, addresses, and holiday schedule.
- Nashville Convenience Center Services — Official hub for all convenience center information.
- Nashville Waste Services — 615-862-5000 — HHW questions, accepted items, current policies.
This guide is based on official sources available as of July 2026. Facility policies, fees, and hours change. Always call 615-862-5000 to verify current information before hauling used motor oil for disposal.