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Plainview Recycling Center battles illegal oil dumping as cleanup costs rise
The city-run oil collection site is overwhelmed by large-scale illegal dumping, forcing officials to pay hundreds in disposal fees.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:05pm
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The City of Plainview's used oil collection site at the Recycling Center has been overwhelmed by illegal dumping, with some residents dropping off large quantities of used oil well beyond the 5-gallon residential limit. This has forced the city to pay hundreds of dollars to properly dispose of the excess oil, costs that are ultimately passed on to taxpayers. Officials are exploring measures like security cameras to combat the issue and educate the public on proper oil disposal methods.
Why it matters
Improper disposal of used oil can have serious environmental consequences, contaminating waterways and soil. The illegal dumping at Plainview's recycling center highlights the challenge municipalities face in providing convenient disposal options while preventing abuse of those services. Addressing this issue is crucial to protecting the local environment and managing public funds responsibly.
The details
According to Solid Waste Superintendent Brocke Lively, the Plainview Recycling Center's used oil collection site is intended for residential DIY oil changes, with a 5-gallon limit per resident. However, the facility has seen instances of people dumping much larger quantities, such as three 55-gallon drums at a time. For the city to properly dispose of such large amounts, it costs a flat $255 plus 55 cents per gallon, potentially totaling over $345 for the three drums. This expense comes out of the city's budget and ultimately gets passed on to taxpayers.
- The used oil collection site was moved to the Recycling Center 4 years ago due to prevalent illegal dumping at the previous location.
- Earlier this year, Plainview Solid Waste Management applied for a grant to install security cameras at the Recycling Center, but the application was unsuccessful.
The players
Brocke Lively
Solid Waste Superintendent for the City of Plainview.
Plainview Solid Waste Management
The city department responsible for managing the Recycling Center and used oil collection site.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
The state agency that regulates environmental protection, which Plainview officials encourage residents to contact for proper oil disposal guidance.
What they’re saying
“Our used oil recycling is for DIY home residential use. I go out and I change the oil in my truck, and I've got five quarts of oil and need a place to put it, and that's what it's for.”
— Brocke Lively, Solid Waste Superintendent
“That all rolls back to what you're paying your taxes for.”
— Brocke Lively, Solid Waste Superintendent
What’s next
Plainview Solid Waste Management plans to explore budgeting for security cameras at the Recycling Center to help combat the illegal dumping issue at the end of the year.
The takeaway
This case highlights the challenges municipalities face in providing convenient waste disposal options while preventing abuse of those services. Addressing illegal dumping of hazardous materials like used oil is crucial to protecting the local environment and managing public funds responsibly.
