New York State makes it pretty easy for consumers to recycle oil
http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/permits_ej_operations_pdf/eusedoil.pdf
Accepting Used Oil
Service establishments that sell at least
500 gallons per year of new oil and
performs vehicle servicing must accept
from the public at no charge up to 5
gallons of used oil per person per day.
Retail establishments that sell at least
1000 gallons per year of new oil must
either accept used oil from the public, as
service establishments do, or contract to
have another service or retail
establishment accept it on their behalf.
Post a sign stating "WE ACCEPT USED
OIL FOR RECYCLING AT NO
CHARGE."
Retail establishments that arrange to
have another entity accept used oil on
their behalf must post a sign stating the
name and address of the contracted
establishment.
Remember: When you change motor oil
for customers, it is against the law to
charge them a fee for used oil disposal.