Interesting that Advance Auto has a page describing, incompletely, their free oil return service. The page doesn't discuss empty containers and used filters, and does not expressly state that the consumer must do the pouring into the holding tank. A photo shows a smiling AA employee watching a (apparent) consumer pouring the used oil into the tank.
Read the comments at the bottom of the page and you will see that experience varies, corporate policy notwithstanding.
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/r/...ycle-motor-oil
AutoZone says "most" AutoZone stores accept used oil. Caveat emptor, sounds like pure frustration to attempt recycling at AutoZone.
https://www.autozone.com/diy/motor-o...to-recycle-oil
O'Reilly's policy is clearer that consumers must retain possession of empty containers. Furthermore they indicate that coolant and brake fluid are not accepted.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/store-se...tery-recycling
I just read my local (county) recycling center page on this topic. They accept all automotive fluids at "events" every 2 or 3 months, at defined times of day. Sounds like a pain but it's an option. Interestingly, latex paint was stated to be non-hazardous and can be disposed of in the standard trash/rubbish removal after the paint has been solidified, e.g. with kitty litter.