Usher Oil

This opportunity came to the attention of Mr. Usher from his nephew who was a principle chemical engineer in the design of the Keystone Oil Company. As the Great Depression released its grip on the country, and manufacturing plants ramped up their operations once again, Charles was joined by his son, Morris. Together, they grew Usher Oil to become a major supplier of used oil fuels for heavy industrial furnaces. As EPA regulations pertaining to the handling and sale of used oil were introduced to the recycling industry, Usher Oil sought further expansion. We bought additional properties and greatly enlarged our capabilities for processing vast volumes of untreated waste waters and used oils, ensuring we can meet the many demanding criteria imposed on the industry by federal, state, and municipal agencies. Research led us to choose a treatment system which includes chemical, oxidation, and precipitation techniques. We used the guidelines of the EPA, and they recommend dissolved air flotation (DAF) as the best available technology for the removal of fats, oil, grease, and metals. Our waste-water and used-oil processes are the only ones in Michigan able to use two DAF units either in series or parallel sequence for the most effectively treated outbound effluent. In addition to producing waste waters that can meet the standards mandated by the EPA, our acid cracking and proprietary chemical oil treatment process allows us to produce the highest quality on-specification used oil fuel. We look back 82 years to the first company collection truck, and think about the dozens of others we’ve owned over the years that have faithfully serviced our customers. We consider the tens of millions of gallons of used oil that we have safely recycled for reuse in industry once again. Only upon these reflections can we appreciate the commitment to our customers and heritage – a commitment that must be maintained by the 4th generation of this proud, family-owned and managed company.

Usher Oil Company is a licensed liquid industrial waste treatment and used oil recycling operation located in Detroit, Michigan. Our Company has been in the business of safely treating wastewater and recycling used oil since 1930. All wastewater streams are physically and chemically treated in an on-site wastewater treatment plant before being discharged to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department. Oily waste brought on site is treated, and the oil is reclaimed. All oils reclaimed from these streams are used as a base stock for the manufacture of a used oil fuel that is sold for energy recovery. All waste streams accepted for treatment are subjected to an approval process. Upon receipt of a representative sample, a pre-approved fingerprint analysis is conducted. If the non-hazardous waste is process compatible, a waste profile form must be completed before the material will be accepted at our facility. Once the profile is administratively complete, an approval number will be issued. This approval number on the manifest will help prevent any delays in unloading. Prior to unloading at our facility, a representative sample is obtained from each load. This sample is examined for comparison to the fingerprint and profile. Based upon compatibility testing, the load is accepted and off-loaded into the appropriate treatment tank(s). If the sample does not pass compatibility testing, the load will be rejected. Usher Oil Company is an operation that has continually grown and adapted to the changing needs of industry and the environment, with more than 450,000 square feet of stable industrial facilities. We are committed to the needs of our customers and to the environment with distinctive service, competitive prices, and the recycling of liquid industrial waste and used oil in a safe, compliant manner.