<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivable" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AccountsReceivable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivableTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AccountsReceivableTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSale" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AssetsHeldForSale" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#AssetsHeldForSaleTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndNatureOfOperations" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndNatureOfOperations" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/CommonStock" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#CommonStock" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/CommonStockDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#CommonStockDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/Disposition" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#Disposition" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DispositionDetails1" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#DispositionDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DispositionTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#DispositionTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#EarningsPerShareDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/GoingConcern" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#GoingConcern" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebt" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails1" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivable" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#NotesReceivable" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#NotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#NotesReceivableDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#NotesReceivableTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrants" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrants" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails2" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails2" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails3" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails3" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetailsNarrative" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SegmentReporting" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimates" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimates" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesDetails" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesPolicies" xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivable" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AccountsReceivableTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSale" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_72D4B97B60E2640647CA9B5842610A82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_72D4B97B60E2640647CA9B5842610A82" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1860C48EE21953D8C1F09B58426135C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsTable_72D4B97B60E2640647CA9B5842610A82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1860C48EE21953D8C1F09B58426135C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_F4E853385BFF0E6A4E3A9B58426688FE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1860C48EE21953D8C1F09B58426135C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_F4E853385BFF0E6A4E3A9B58426688FE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_F4E853385BFF0E6A4E3A9B58426688FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_1860C48EE21953D8C1F09B58426135C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_F4E853385BFF0E6A4E3A9B58426688FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember_B9A72C4304F0D8DF95329B584267D02D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_F4E853385BFF0E6A4E3A9B58426688FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember_B9A72C4304F0D8DF95329B584267D02D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable_82451BB249B1B7887A2F9B584267A7D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable_82451BB249B1B7887A2F9B584267A7D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent_2F18AC5498C29681A7099B5842678CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent_2F18AC5498C29681A7099B5842678CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent_12E5BE2E8E48F94821049B584267DADB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentCurrent_12E5BE2E8E48F94821049B584267DADB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_665BBF104AEC7EC8A9CB9B5842670F84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAssetsHeldForSale_665BBF104AEC7EC8A9CB9B5842670F84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_64445617CF1C4E09B1599B584268CEE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsLineItems_DCFF450007E27CBCFEA19B5842676C3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCurrent_64445617CF1C4E09B1599B584268CEE0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/AssetsHeldForSaleTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndNatureOfOperations" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/CommonStock" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/CommonStockDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable_16F3B7ABC91383CB92DF9DAE26CA5A7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable_16F3B7ABC91383CB92DF9DAE26CA5A7A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_317FCC7A6F90413969F79DAE26CA13B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable_16F3B7ABC91383CB92DF9DAE26CA5A7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_317FCC7A6F90413969F79DAE26CA13B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_B9FB653FCD5A7ADD06839DAE26CBC879_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_317FCC7A6F90413969F79DAE26CA13B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_B9FB653FCD5A7ADD06839DAE26CBC879_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_B9FB653FCD5A7ADD06839DAE26CBC879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_317FCC7A6F90413969F79DAE26CA13B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_B9FB653FCD5A7ADD06839DAE26CBC879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BangoPlantMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BangoPlantMember_E448F668301BB651AFDF9DAE26CBF388" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_B9FB653FCD5A7ADD06839DAE26CBC879" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BangoPlantMember_E448F668301BB651AFDF9DAE26CBF388" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_69A8E4F2B1D395D73DC69DAE26CBC496" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable_16F3B7ABC91383CB92DF9DAE26CA5A7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_69A8E4F2B1D395D73DC69DAE26CBC496" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_731EFCE116A0BCCD858A9DAE26CB441D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_69A8E4F2B1D395D73DC69DAE26CBC496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_731EFCE116A0BCCD858A9DAE26CB441D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_731EFCE116A0BCCD858A9DAE26CB441D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_69A8E4F2B1D395D73DC69DAE26CBC496" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_731EFCE116A0BCCD858A9DAE26CB441D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_F1CB1A4EC7BD58E0C2A49DAE26CC0A83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_731EFCE116A0BCCD858A9DAE26CB441D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_F1CB1A4EC7BD58E0C2A49DAE26CC0A83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9A5B0B6F905DF19452079DAE26CC0CD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockTable_16F3B7ABC91383CB92DF9DAE26CA5A7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9A5B0B6F905DF19452079DAE26CC0CD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EA8B0ACA2808E386DFFC9DAE26CCB8A2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9A5B0B6F905DF19452079DAE26CC0CD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EA8B0ACA2808E386DFFC9DAE26CCB8A2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EA8B0ACA2808E386DFFC9DAE26CCB8A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_9A5B0B6F905DF19452079DAE26CC0CD9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EA8B0ACA2808E386DFFC9DAE26CCB8A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_3117B6A4B37C36477A619DAE26CC1622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_EA8B0ACA2808E386DFFC9DAE26CCB8A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_3117B6A4B37C36477A619DAE26CC1622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_B29BC479958949B7535F9DAE26CD29AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_B29BC479958949B7535F9DAE26CD29AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_26C1BA7294999C8C85B89DAE26CD0E1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_26C1BA7294999C8C85B89DAE26CD0E1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0DEE9E05F6831655A6CB9DAE26CD2308" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0DEE9E05F6831655A6CB9DAE26CD2308" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_B68904C9B821B29D7D199DAE26CDCE4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_B68904C9B821B29D7D199DAE26CDCE4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberofVotesPerEachShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberofVotesPerEachShare_0A607A4EE51012AC24469DAE26CEDB4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_CommonStockVotingRightsNumberofVotesPerEachShare_0A607A4EE51012AC24469DAE26CEDB4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionQuantityOfSecuritiesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionQuantityOfSecuritiesIssued_48C3B2E59BFF1BE92A019DAE26CE4665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionQuantityOfSecuritiesIssued_48C3B2E59BFF1BE92A019DAE26CE4665" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares_93DF10B9FD82B8DA1D629DAE26CE612A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares_93DF10B9FD82B8DA1D629DAE26CE612A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_9CDA1BDB802649331CC49DAE26CE54ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised_9CDA1BDB802649331CC49DAE26CE54ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1_9F80278508B8E40CFDDB9DAE26CEC738" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockLineItems_AC72D68D43800D92DE609DAE26CC1D2D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConversionOfStockSharesIssued1_9F80278508B8E40CFDDB9DAE26CEC738" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_FFA4AE5E04D223DAE29558D578877205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_FFA4AE5E04D223DAE29558D578877205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5818912C8FF2FB9DA66358D57887C6AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5818912C8FF2FB9DA66358D57887C6AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5818912C8FF2FB9DA66358D57887C6AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_5818912C8FF2FB9DA66358D57887C6AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BlackOilMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BlackOilMember_598AA40442E750575B1F58D57887D99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BlackOilMember_598AA40442E750575B1F58D57887D99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RefiningMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RefiningMember_E7E37BA8DFB341B9D1C058D57887D912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RefiningMember_E7E37BA8DFB341B9D1C058D57887D912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RecoveryMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RecoveryMember_DED85F94E6E2A310A50658D57887A359" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_B6856358AA4AD500A75B58D578872ED4" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RecoveryMember_DED85F94E6E2A310A50658D57887A359" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_56627860C817E05DB72858D5788777A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_56627860C817E05DB72858D5788777A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_5438B543BB9B161007DB58D578870BCD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_56627860C817E05DB72858D5788777A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_5438B543BB9B161007DB58D578870BCD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_5438B543BB9B161007DB58D578870BCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_56627860C817E05DB72858D5788777A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_5438B543BB9B161007DB58D578870BCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_2DF4CCFD2034ADB5C44258D5788785BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_5438B543BB9B161007DB58D578870BCD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember_2DF4CCFD2034ADB5C44258D5788785BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_48C5CB4ABA4A12E5B58358D578875E28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_48C5CB4ABA4A12E5B58358D578875E28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_48C5CB4ABA4A12E5B58358D578875E28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_48C5CB4ABA4A12E5B58358D578875E28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_E1B73BE98F74F293865E58D578878CAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember_E1B73BE98F74F293865E58D578878CAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_2B3DFE551E9FE32C356D58D5788789B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_3DDEFD570F744FC598B758D578872E6E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember_2B3DFE551E9FE32C356D58D5788789B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_72DF5C04B0A5D7B7472858D578870F4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_CA2A0C34D7ABFBE3922058D57887A6C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_72DF5C04B0A5D7B7472858D578870F4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_72DF5C04B0A5D7B7472858D578870F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_72DF5C04B0A5D7B7472858D578870F4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer1Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer1Member_B99530457671AB640F7C58D578874D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer1Member_B99530457671AB640F7C58D578874D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer2Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer2Member_E676854C3A05BA2535DB58D578873325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer2Member_E676854C3A05BA2535DB58D578873325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer3Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer3Member_0A857BF2C29DB928634A58D5788721ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer3Member_0A857BF2C29DB928634A58D5788721ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer4Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer4Member_0259920A46D6107A5A3058D57887EF15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer4Member_0259920A46D6107A5A3058D57887EF15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer5Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer5Member_2BAC6D5FFA0BA1B9371A58D578871A55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer5Member_2BAC6D5FFA0BA1B9371A58D578871A55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Customer6Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Customer6Member_0F2E871A089C55092C6158D57887AA54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_71F5D762DA6E957A50C858D57887DECD" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Customer6Member_0F2E871A089C55092C6158D57887AA54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_C8C8E115E81BEB1F43B858D578870C94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_FFA4AE5E04D223DAE29558D578877205" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_C8C8E115E81BEB1F43B858D578870C94" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4B066ED520F961FFFDF996E4C233CA1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4B066ED520F961FFFDF996E4C233CA1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE0F3A7D3E2D74BC011796E4C23C2383_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4B066ED520F961FFFDF996E4C233CA1F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE0F3A7D3E2D74BC011796E4C23C2383_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE0F3A7D3E2D74BC011796E4C23C2383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_4B066ED520F961FFFDF996E4C233CA1F" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE0F3A7D3E2D74BC011796E4C23C2383" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_VertexRefiningLALLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_VertexRefiningLALLCMember_05FB4F87D9FA07A4E87E96E4FDF7E418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_FE0F3A7D3E2D74BC011796E4C23C2383" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_VertexRefiningLALLCMember_05FB4F87D9FA07A4E87E96E4FDF7E418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4B4F35BE5A698F93F95B96CA4D7C918D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4B4F35BE5A698F93F95B96CA4D7C918D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_D7F340466CEF3902141996CA4D7CFE4B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4B4F35BE5A698F93F95B96CA4D7C918D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_D7F340466CEF3902141996CA4D7CFE4B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_D7F340466CEF3902141996CA4D7CFE4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis_4B4F35BE5A698F93F95B96CA4D7C918D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_D7F340466CEF3902141996CA4D7CFE4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfGoodsTotalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsTotalMember_76E4DC3AE8103FDB3C6896CA4D7DA219" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_D7F340466CEF3902141996CA4D7CFE4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostOfGoodsTotalMember_76E4DC3AE8103FDB3C6896CA4D7DA219" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_8F03566AA278C3B96A3996CA4D7D549E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_8F03566AA278C3B96A3996CA4D7D549E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_55B1579E8DD19DF3C91896CA4D7DB06A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_8F03566AA278C3B96A3996CA4D7D549E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_55B1579E8DD19DF3C91896CA4D7DB06A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_55B1579E8DD19DF3C91896CA4D7DB06A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis_8F03566AA278C3B96A3996CA4D7D549E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_55B1579E8DD19DF3C91896CA4D7DB06A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember_16B4410F95F734967C1296CA4D7D71B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_55B1579E8DD19DF3C91896CA4D7DB06A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplierConcentrationRiskMember_16B4410F95F734967C1296CA4D7D71B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_C36A808ABD356024EEF896CA4D7D9099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideRevenueByMajorCustomersByReportingSegmentsTable_80D44DCF1AEE7696F63796CA4D7C35AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_C36A808ABD356024EEF896CA4D7D9099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_C36A808ABD356024EEF896CA4D7D9099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionBySupplierAxis_C36A808ABD356024EEF896CA4D7D9099" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Supplier1Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Supplier1Member_250F580E16DE96AB7D8196CA4D7D7C95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Supplier1Member_250F580E16DE96AB7D8196CA4D7D7C95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_Supplier2Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_Supplier2Member_F2EEBC51BE2F973A243096CA4D7E89C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedGoodsAndNonemployeeServicesTransactionSupplierDomain_69C32A2AD0EB3ACDE25B96CA4D7D29F7" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_Supplier2Member_F2EEBC51BE2F973A243096CA4D7E89C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_NumberofSuppliersExceedingDisclosureBenchmark" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_NumberofSuppliersExceedingDisclosureBenchmark_ED0AA80F75C846EDBF0796CA4D7E6BB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_NumberofSuppliersExceedingDisclosureBenchmark_ED0AA80F75C846EDBF0796CA4D7E6BB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_9F0CDB94FA52318501AD96CA4D7E23E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1_9F0CDB94FA52318501AD96CA4D7E23E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_59BEF0AEC0E225BC9B7296CA4D7E5DDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations_59BEF0AEC0E225BC9B7296CA4D7E5DDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_NumberOfPayments" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_NumberOfPayments_436CFA9C66481ABFD59196CA4D7EC481" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_NumberOfPayments_436CFA9C66481ABFD59196CA4D7EC481" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_25F29CF7750AE79D02F296CA4D7E2CA2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLeasesRentExpenseNet_25F29CF7750AE79D02F296CA4D7E2CA2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LossContingencyNumberofLawsuitsNamedasDefendant" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LossContingencyNumberofLawsuitsNamedasDefendant_92A22CFBDB53B0CF0EDE96E360317F4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EntityWideRevenueMajorCustomerLineItems_89099031D900DFB0243F96CA4D7E86F6" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LossContingencyNumberofLawsuitsNamedasDefendant_92A22CFBDB53B0CF0EDE96E360317F4E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConcentrationsSignificantCustomersCommitmentsAndContingenciesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D5AF9E293BC2271FDECA1F3A1F4A533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6116420270AC1E249063A1F3A1F3EF36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D5AF9E293BC2271FDECA1F3A1F4A533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6116420270AC1E249063A1F3A1F3EF36" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D319EE810374DE1C6D16A1F3A1F3705F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_6116420270AC1E249063A1F3A1F3EF36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D319EE810374DE1C6D16A1F3A1F3705F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D319EE810374DE1C6D16A1F3A1F3705F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_D319EE810374DE1C6D16A1F3A1F3705F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_D112CA0A1C434B76C96BA1F3A1F4FCCE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_D112CA0A1C434B76C96BA1F3A1F4FCCE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_A11CDE2C3535BDC75E1EA1F3A1F4AC1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_C6C3211F00BF5521E674A1F3A1F45EF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_A11CDE2C3535BDC75E1EA1F3A1F4AC1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF466A05DACBED172881A1F3A1F458F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D5AF9E293BC2271FDECA1F3A1F4A533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF466A05DACBED172881A1F3A1F458F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF466A05DACBED172881A1F3A1F458F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_380478622177E81076E4A1F3A1F5A56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_380478622177E81076E4A1F3A1F5A56B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_A3856A8780567AF40C76A1F3A1F577E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrent_A3856A8780567AF40C76A1F3A1F577E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InventoryNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E11B31B07B9C6B29C13EA1F3A1F5E114" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InventoryNet_E11B31B07B9C6B29C13EA1F3A1F5E114" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_2624CF4EEFC394B5C002A1F3A1F5F9B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidExpenseCurrent_2624CF4EEFC394B5C002A1F3A1F5F9B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear_D75A24AFEFFDE824F500A1F3A1F56C39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CostsInExcessOfBillingsOnUncompletedContractsOrProgramsExpectedToBeCollectedWithinOneYear_D75A24AFEFFDE824F500A1F3A1F56C39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_A3A963D1F518C5D0B2CAA1F3A1F68772" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstract_EE65C3383569A36D4344A1F3A1F48F7E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsCurrent_A3A963D1F518C5D0B2CAA1F3A1F68772" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF466A05DACBED172881A1F3A1F458F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_D726D37A59896F37150EA1F3A1F6752F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross_D726D37A59896F37150EA1F3A1F6752F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_DBE81504CB153BD2DAD1A1F3A1F62333" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment_DBE81504CB153BD2DAD1A1F3A1F62333" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_971101C94135BBE4564DA1F3A1F62EFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet_971101C94135BBE4564DA1F3A1F62EFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_86A2435D05B0C3F054E4A1F3A1F6E6E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent_86A2435D05B0C3F054E4A1F3A1F6E6E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_51409F6FAF35C8B50187A1F3A1F6A22D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_51409F6FAF35C8B50187A1F3A1F6A22D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_33725211479FFD74D269A1F3A1F77CFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsNoncurrent_33725211479FFD74D269A1F3A1F77CFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_5369D024AA51E5E5E812A1F3A1F77192" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrentAbstract_7730CE57E7F58EFD6F01A1F3A1F60482" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsNoncurrent_5369D024AA51E5E5E812A1F3A1F77192" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_4A882C642CA266F566F9A1F3A1F7A074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_FF466A05DACBED172881A1F3A1F458F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_4A882C642CA266F566F9A1F3A1F7A074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2D5AF9E293BC2271FDECA1F3A1F4A533" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_10F63384E888C3495DACA1F3A1F804AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent_10F63384E888C3495DACA1F3A1F804AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent_069FD2C6F533CDCC9E8DA1F3A1F89996" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrent_069FD2C6F533CDCC9E8DA1F3A1F89996" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_F5F84444C95691806D38A1F3A1F88BBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent_F5F84444C95691806D38A1F3A1F88BBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_DD0BEB69006E41882EF7A1F3A1F8CFC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent_DD0BEB69006E41882EF7A1F3A1F8CFC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent_202428D9E2597723150FA1F3A1F80B52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LinesOfCreditCurrent_202428D9E2597723150FA1F3A1F80B52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_5C5E6E8F05B7B6750C63A1F3A1F8145E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredRevenueCurrent_5C5E6E8F05B7B6750C63A1F3A1F8145E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_6EED5A0B9BEC3650499DA1F3A1F951C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstract_F6FAE70CA85FD14078DCA1F3A1F71531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrent_6EED5A0B9BEC3650499DA1F3A1F951C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_F615414CA1539738C62AA1F3A1F99649" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_F615414CA1539738C62AA1F3A1F99649" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_6C052165FD80902F6555A1F3A1F9A7D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_F615414CA1539738C62AA1F3A1F99649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrent_6C052165FD80902F6555A1F3A1F9A7D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3A38D31FA70E2DEDD3AFA1F3A1F90BE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstract_F615414CA1539738C62AA1F3A1F99649" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_3A38D31FA70E2DEDD3AFA1F3A1F90BE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_C8C3F4F37029933F1493A1F3A1F97D19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_C8C3F4F37029933F1493A1F3A1F97D19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4E69788EEDEDA227A936A1F3A1F91406" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies_4E69788EEDEDA227A936A1F3A1F91406" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract_B57A992859A479DDBDA4A1F3A1FA9585" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract_B57A992859A479DDBDA4A1F3A1FA9585" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_1BFD0B4D44A0FDD53E57A1F3A1FA352C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityAbstract_B57A992859A479DDBDA4A1F3A1FA9585" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_1BFD0B4D44A0FDD53E57A1F3A1FA352C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_5B547E1542CC14530516A1F3A1FA3B43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_5B547E1542CC14530516A1F3A1FA3B43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_6B2C64B072A8CC511147A1F3A1FAF112" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_6B2C64B072A8CC511147A1F3A1FAF112" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_FB84B0A1BDA48C78B252A1F3A1FB977E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_FB84B0A1BDA48C78B252A1F3A1FB977E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_59F5374945D8C7F3315DA1F3A1FB5790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_59F5374945D8C7F3315DA1F3A1FB5790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_386386FC8BC73C88DE63A1F3A1FBCC43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstract_47208B55E7EF0090023FA1F3A1FA08BD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_386386FC8BC73C88DE63A1F3A1FBCC43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_8FBE342104577EAFF98EA1F3A1FBCF29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityAbstract_B09510925F939E4AC2E6A1F3A1F71C13" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_8FBE342104577EAFF98EA1F3A1FBCF29" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsUnauditedParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8657989A2D0AA54085E895C5C2B9B0F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8657989A2D0AA54085E895C5C2B9B0F7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_B3D0CA2E007EBE0DE0CB95C5C2B9AF97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_8657989A2D0AA54085E895C5C2B9B0F7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_B3D0CA2E007EBE0DE0CB95C5C2B9AF97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_B3D0CA2E007EBE0DE0CB95C5C2B9AF97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_B3D0CA2E007EBE0DE0CB95C5C2B9AF97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_2D2D70469C80317D28FE95C5C2B9B26A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_2D2D70469C80317D28FE95C5C2B9B26A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_42602ED55774B80BDB1195C5C2BA0B09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_42602ED55774B80BDB1195C5C2BA0B09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_1AEFE0A504A4C35395E595C5C2BAEE02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_E8B08E2ABB75C7A6D76295C5C2B93CB4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_1AEFE0A504A4C35395E595C5C2BAEE02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_1665D004EB4F9A7291DC95C5C2BA84FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityParOrStatedValuePerShare_1665D004EB4F9A7291DC95C5C2BA84FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_441EA43CBC43395DA45E95C5C2BA90B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized_441EA43CBC43395DA45E95C5C2BA90B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_C3E07943B3B5E16C393395C5C2BA3F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesIssued_C3E07943B3B5E16C393395C5C2BA3F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_CC41F71CEDD4424B0F1295C5C2BBBA7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_CC41F71CEDD4424B0F1295C5C2BBBA7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference_FAFEFEF5F9DF5F75284895C5C2BB3804" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference_FAFEFEF5F9DF5F75284895C5C2BB3804" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_AEDC6F30205CCB9E7ED795C5C2BB8171" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_AEDC6F30205CCB9E7ED795C5C2BB8171" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_36D4D154487636BE629795C5C2BB3F7E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_36D4D154487636BE629795C5C2BB3F7E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_16CB3805815E3AAA250195C5C2BC39F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_16CB3805815E3AAA250195C5C2BC39F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_3255F927012F50EF6B5195C5C2BC7828" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_3255F927012F50EF6B5195C5C2BC7828" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue_F62E8B08CC00303C56C495C5C2BCDD25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue_F62E8B08CC00303C56C495C5C2BCDD25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_F5F28DE56D8F654368EA95C5C2BD8C5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_F5F28DE56D8F654368EA95C5C2BD8C5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F20A5D8B81C8796E710695C5C2BDF7E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_F20A5D8B81C8796E710695C5C2BDF7E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_09E258CFCDF00EEE620695C5C2BD48D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_09E258CFCDF00EEE620695C5C2BD48D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_61FE7D1F296ADCD9A68095C5C2BDB1F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_61FE7D1F296ADCD9A68095C5C2BDB1F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_CommonStockSharesHeldinEscrow" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_CommonStockSharesHeldinEscrow_8ED65A3BF1466528F7D595CD28AF845F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_8138C71FC3A211EE4DEA95C5C2BA245A" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_CommonStockSharesHeldinEscrow_8ED65A3BF1466528F7D595CD28AF845F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlowsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsUnaudited" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/Disposition" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DispositionDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F50339EC7FC0B279D214A02FF1C7E157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F50339EC7FC0B279D214A02FF1C7E157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1AC4AACE5CD22292A7A6A02FF1C8AB51_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F50339EC7FC0B279D214A02FF1C7E157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1AC4AACE5CD22292A7A6A02FF1C8AB51_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1AC4AACE5CD22292A7A6A02FF1C8AB51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis_F50339EC7FC0B279D214A02FF1C7E157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1AC4AACE5CD22292A7A6A02FF1C8AB51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BangoPlantMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BangoPlantMember_682451C76971709B2AE3A02FF1C8B129" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsNameDomain_1AC4AACE5CD22292A7A6A02FF1C8AB51" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BangoPlantMember_682451C76971709B2AE3A02FF1C8B129" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_0ECCB959766D5B3DDC3EA02FF1C8DD4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_0ECCB959766D5B3DDC3EA02FF1C8DD4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_1EC1390E1D56D2B90989A02FF1C87C00_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_0ECCB959766D5B3DDC3EA02FF1C8DD4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_1EC1390E1D56D2B90989A02FF1C87C00_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_1EC1390E1D56D2B90989A02FF1C87C00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_0ECCB959766D5B3DDC3EA02FF1C8DD4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_1EC1390E1D56D2B90989A02FF1C87C00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_8B9D5339088E5AAE7C6EA02FF1C8F43D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_1EC1390E1D56D2B90989A02FF1C87C00" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsDisposedOfBySaleMember_8B9D5339088E5AAE7C6EA02FF1C8F43D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DCD8B42D5F2A4D416115A02FF1C83262" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DCD8B42D5F2A4D416115A02FF1C83262" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_37AD90729BCAEA563D94A02FF1C82F00_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DCD8B42D5F2A4D416115A02FF1C83262" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_37AD90729BCAEA563D94A02FF1C82F00_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_37AD90729BCAEA563D94A02FF1C82F00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_DCD8B42D5F2A4D416115A02FF1C83262" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_37AD90729BCAEA563D94A02FF1C82F00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BangoOilLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BangoOilLLCMember_47449B72367361B202EFA02FF1C9EE79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_37AD90729BCAEA563D94A02FF1C82F00" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BangoOilLLCMember_47449B72367361B202EFA02FF1C9EE79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_399FBA4EC32B59F8CF6BA02FF1C91B94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_399FBA4EC32B59F8CF6BA02FF1C91B94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_722620C6A1F0B9C6B3C7A02FF1C9DA27_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_399FBA4EC32B59F8CF6BA02FF1C91B94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_722620C6A1F0B9C6B3C7A02FF1C9DA27_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_722620C6A1F0B9C6B3C7A02FF1C9DA27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeAxis_399FBA4EC32B59F8CF6BA02FF1C91B94" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_722620C6A1F0B9C6B3C7A02FF1C9DA27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_EquipmentLeasesMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_EquipmentLeasesMember_9F3A81437F4BF4605021A02FF1C91889" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LeaseArrangementTypeDomain_722620C6A1F0B9C6B3C7A02FF1C9DA27" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_EquipmentLeasesMember_9F3A81437F4BF4605021A02FF1C91889" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A39FD8ABD404C9EC0003A02FF1C9AC5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable_C45D3CAE3DAA52BD59D5A02FF1C712B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A39FD8ABD404C9EC0003A02FF1C9AC5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F5D0132986D78F5AA84FA02FF1CA6CD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A39FD8ABD404C9EC0003A02FF1C9AC5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F5D0132986D78F5AA84FA02FF1CA6CD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F5D0132986D78F5AA84FA02FF1CA6CD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A39FD8ABD404C9EC0003A02FF1C9AC5D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F5D0132986D78F5AA84FA02FF1CA6CD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_F76C2FD10BA1A25EF213A02FF1CA64DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_F5D0132986D78F5AA84FA02FF1CA6CD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_F76C2FD10BA1A25EF213A02FF1CA64DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAreaofLand" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAreaofLand_D1E8070FE57FB9001239A02FF1CAB59F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAreaofLand_D1E8070FE57FB9001239A02FF1CAB59F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration_4ACD1559C385CBA642CEA02FF1CADE89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationConsideration_4ACD1559C385CBA642CEA02FF1CADE89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationReleaseofLienonEquipment" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationReleaseofLienonEquipment_211FA8BB5F779F079C4BA02FF1CB4857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationReleaseofLienonEquipment_211FA8BB5F779F079C4BA02FF1CB4857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTransactionFees" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTransactionFees_A36171D25E7D5AAB3F91A02FF1CBCFCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationTransactionFees_A36171D25E7D5AAB3F91A02FF1CBCFCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates_CD3A4843B59BAEEAEC65A02FF1CBBA08" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesAndInterestsInAffiliates_CD3A4843B59BAEEAEC65A02FF1CBBA08" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationBookValueofAssets" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationBookValueofAssets_CA22D4FF981D79FC7C12A02FF1CB82E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationBookValueofAssets_CA22D4FF981D79FC7C12A02FF1CB82E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_DEBF10B0BBFD256111D8A02FF1CB4653" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_vtnr_GainLossonSaleofAssetPurchaseAgreementAbstract_759279FD6FA28C93F9F8A02FF1CA55D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDispositionOfAssets1_DEBF10B0BBFD256111D8A02FF1CB4653" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_E093A3BD7C0600B1430DA02FF1CC0A4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_E093A3BD7C0600B1430DA02FF1CC0A4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquipmentOnLease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquipmentOnLease_5DFB82E1B085E2C941E4A02FF1CCD3BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireEquipmentOnLease_5DFB82E1B085E2C941E4A02FF1CCD3BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashPlacedinEscrow" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashPlacedinEscrow_22733870DE0ECF023263A02FF1CC74A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCashPlacedinEscrow_22733870DE0ECF023263A02FF1CC74A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowValue_A1D8D84E46D153AF7040A02FF1CC1BB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowValue_A1D8D84E46D153AF7040A02FF1CC1BB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares_241786940FD9196DE05EA02FF1CC81B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsCommonStockPlacedinEscrowShares_241786940FD9196DE05EA02FF1CC81B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowPercentagetobeReleasedintheNextTwelveMonths" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowPercentagetobeReleasedintheNextTwelveMonths_8621FD59B07EC6DAC8AFA02FF1CC11B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStockPlacedinEscrowPercentagetobeReleasedintheNextTwelveMonths_8621FD59B07EC6DAC8AFA02FF1CC11B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPeriodforRemainingCommonStocktobeReleasedfromEscrow" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPeriodforRemainingCommonStocktobeReleasedfromEscrow_66D07BDC955094BB6274A02FF1CCE778" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPeriodforRemainingCommonStocktobeReleasedfromEscrow_66D07BDC955094BB6274A02FF1CCE778" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStocktobeMaintainedinEscrowValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStocktobeMaintainedinEscrowValue_6DE710CF88C0D01D65D9A02FF1CD2C52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationCommonStocktobeMaintainedinEscrowValue_6DE710CF88C0D01D65D9A02FF1CD2C52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_4E8B17B4437D77349D63A02FF1CD6ADE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesGross_4E8B17B4437D77349D63A02FF1CD6ADE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BusinessAcquisitionIndemnificationAssetsCap" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BusinessAcquisitionIndemnificationAssetsCap_EF4ED688C21E4401BEFAA02FF1CD4456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems_421F5F426E19F7199F0AA02FF1CA53AB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BusinessAcquisitionIndemnificationAssetsCap_EF4ED688C21E4401BEFAA02FF1CD4456" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DispositionTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_5BFB75190B1025EC853C7943E5CDFEA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_09793AD93A6E05E94B8D7943E5CCF552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_5BFB75190B1025EC853C7943E5CDFEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_09793AD93A6E05E94B8D7943E5CCF552" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_95D87FA39212A15D58B67943E5CD1AF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_09793AD93A6E05E94B8D7943E5CCF552" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_95D87FA39212A15D58B67943E5CD1AF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05F037E86A22EEAB00947943E5CD0BF5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_95D87FA39212A15D58B67943E5CD1AF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05F037E86A22EEAB00947943E5CD0BF5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05F037E86A22EEAB00947943E5CD0BF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_95D87FA39212A15D58B67943E5CD1AF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05F037E86A22EEAB00947943E5CD0BF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_86D35C3705FB58A21BF57943E5CD77CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_05F037E86A22EEAB00947943E5CD0BF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_86D35C3705FB58A21BF57943E5CD77CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_OptionsToPurchase" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_OptionsToPurchase_36975E8740966D7A9C497943E5CD4ABA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_5BFB75190B1025EC853C7943E5CDFEA9" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_OptionsToPurchase_36975E8740966D7A9C497943E5CD4ABA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_WarrantsToPurchase" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_WarrantsToPurchase_9103AA48C75E23EE576F7943E5CE84E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_5BFB75190B1025EC853C7943E5CDFEA9" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_WarrantsToPurchase_9103AA48C75E23EE576F7943E5CE84E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_43E61539B1E9A4EDE33C7943E5CE7205" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_5BFB75190B1025EC853C7943E5CDFEA9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding_43E61539B1E9A4EDE33C7943E5CE7205" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/GoingConcern" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesNarrativeDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebt" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_AF357BADD64E3D3548B9831011678732" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_1850DFFA2086E4CD568F831011652299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_AF357BADD64E3D3548B9831011678732" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_1850DFFA2086E4CD568F831011652299" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3C38817E34085DC50DFC83101165B950" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_1850DFFA2086E4CD568F831011652299" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3C38817E34085DC50DFC83101165B950" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3C38817E34085DC50DFC83101165B950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_3C38817E34085DC50DFC83101165B950" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E850780A204BE9899FCC83101165B5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember_E850780A204BE9899FCC83101165B5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_FD898AA4EF7A1A12208683101165BEB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_FD898AA4EF7A1A12208683101165BEB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_21906687D1A6834A27278310116619E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_21906687D1A6834A27278310116619E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember_C5D24853F9DD72F835F583101166FF67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_4539FE25C486EA4B5E9D831011652F96" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember_C5D24853F9DD72F835F583101166FF67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_F5FD6840E8168DDBFD958310116678F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_1850DFFA2086E4CD568F831011652299" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_F5FD6840E8168DDBFD958310116678F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_F5FD6840E8168DDBFD958310116678F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_F5FD6840E8168DDBFD958310116678F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember_C8BED8C538D87A074072831011668107" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember_C8BED8C538D87A074072831011668107" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_D5A54A087CF9FF7326AE8310116641CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_D5A54A087CF9FF7326AE8310116641CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_FoxEncoreMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_FoxEncoreMember_B66CC3FBF847897E99B2831011673A9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_FoxEncoreMember_B66CC3FBF847897E99B2831011673A9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_A55C792A6196606817C3831011671204" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_A55C792A6196606817C3831011671204" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_4E88EA16037046ABF7168310116758E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_4E88EA16037046ABF7168310116758E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_5C128A63FFBFC76C235883101167C719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_2038D511C56D9E3FD93083101166CEA5" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_5C128A63FFBFC76C235883101167C719" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_586B946112961323D528831011682317" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_AF357BADD64E3D3548B9831011678732" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_586B946112961323D528831011682317" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_5E7DBED85E8F6022B398831011683F4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_AF357BADD64E3D3548B9831011678732" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_5E7DBED85E8F6022B398831011683F4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A7F25490BF17EF9F4ED883101168C059" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_5E7DBED85E8F6022B398831011683F4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_A7F25490BF17EF9F4ED883101168C059" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6097A4DC43E284573279831011687C79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_5E7DBED85E8F6022B398831011683F4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet_6097A4DC43E284573279831011687C79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_657BB766E961A196948A831011687ADC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAbstract_5E7DBED85E8F6022B398831011683F4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_657BB766E961A196948A831011687ADC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetails1" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4D12FF34EDD3314B259C5EE1216E8D28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5561D19C434100F831E35EE1216CCF83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4D12FF34EDD3314B259C5EE1216E8D28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5561D19C434100F831E35EE1216CCF83" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_86B79C49420AB68149515EE1216D04A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable_5561D19C434100F831E35EE1216CCF83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_86B79C49420AB68149515EE1216D04A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_86B79C49420AB68149515EE1216D04A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_86B79C49420AB68149515EE1216D04A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember_58EAE60A0D4F3267DF865EE1216D9995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_MidCapBusinessCreditLLCMember_58EAE60A0D4F3267DF865EE1216D9995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_94E66CF31953C14ACBB95EE1216D975F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_94E66CF31953C14ACBB95EE1216D975F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_FoxEncoreMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_FoxEncoreMember_68E8BD20E1619E58B42A5F0EDBD3AE3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_FoxEncoreMember_68E8BD20E1619E58B42A5F0EDBD3AE3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_2154014E3182CE05D4FD5EE1216D605A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_2154014E3182CE05D4FD5EE1216D605A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_E36C19357A6B4DB953EA5EE1216D881F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_E36C19357A6B4DB953EA5EE1216D881F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_234226C82CDBE3F2E3665EE1216E7EB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_814E180197508AC6329C5EE1216DE099" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_234226C82CDBE3F2E3665EE1216E7EB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems_4D12FF34EDD3314B259C5EE1216E8D28" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_62A2C78C3296D5DE968C5EE1216E285F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_62A2C78C3296D5DE968C5EE1216E285F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_55234CA4D7DEE51911215EE1216E5B8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_55234CA4D7DEE51911215EE1216E5B8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6ABCD5FB0F078F07E3745EE1216E5DBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_6ABCD5FB0F078F07E3745EE1216E5DBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_6CE334757856367BD1765EE1216FE076" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour_6CE334757856367BD1765EE1216FE076" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_9244B033145EE533FCF75EE1216F2D72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFive_9244B033145EE533FCF75EE1216F2D72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8E86B74B140C8024E4335EE12170FA2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MaturitiesOfLongtermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsAbstract_9EC727BAACB428D270F95EE1216E422D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalAfterYearFive_8E86B74B140C8024E4335EE12170FA2B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8F7540CFB7C752902511972DEAC72353" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8F7540CFB7C752902511972DEAC72353" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_D8FF9B72F5143DF0E6D4972DEAC763C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8F7540CFB7C752902511972DEAC72353" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_D8FF9B72F5143DF0E6D4972DEAC763C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_D8FF9B72F5143DF0E6D4972DEAC763C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryAxis_8F7540CFB7C752902511972DEAC72353" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_D8FF9B72F5143DF0E6D4972DEAC763C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RawMaterialsandFinishedGoodsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RawMaterialsandFinishedGoodsMember_11DA8544230A8856EB22972DEACD6453" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_PublicUtilitiesInventoryTypeDomain_D8FF9B72F5143DF0E6D4972DEAC763C2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RawMaterialsandFinishedGoodsMember_11DA8544230A8856EB22972DEACD6453" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6091B4626A36DF50CF5C972DEACD25BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6091B4626A36DF50CF5C972DEACD25BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7D66E21718424722259B972DEACDAA81_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6091B4626A36DF50CF5C972DEACD25BE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7D66E21718424722259B972DEACDAA81_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7D66E21718424722259B972DEACDAA81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6091B4626A36DF50CF5C972DEACD25BE" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7D66E21718424722259B972DEACDAA81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_VertexRefiningOHLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_VertexRefiningOHLLCMember_DF62DA7299A11EE69749972DEACD00EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7D66E21718424722259B972DEACDAA81" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_VertexRefiningOHLLCMember_DF62DA7299A11EE69749972DEACD00EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0C0CD92B31B2877A33E9972DEACEE4BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0C0CD92B31B2877A33E9972DEACEE4BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0C0CD92B31B2877A33E9972DEACEE4BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis_0C0CD92B31B2877A33E9972DEACEE4BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_13F6C3D4AE6B060458E8972DEACEB661" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_GoldmanSachsUSAMember_13F6C3D4AE6B060458E8972DEACEB661" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_B9ACCCF9F7FF28DE70D6972DEACE7601" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankMember_B9ACCCF9F7FF28DE70D6972DEACE7601" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_A4810995BA02C8F311FE972DEACEFBDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_VariousInstitutionsMember_A4810995BA02C8F311FE972DEACEFBDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_C9F2E1243D1836204E88972DEACEC1A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLenderDomain_707A67460DB51939F751972DEACEC7F2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PacificWesternBankMember_C9F2E1243D1836204E88972DEACEC1A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B9BFDDD372DFEB82AF3972DEACF6D4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B9BFDDD372DFEB82AF3972DEACF6D4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B9BFDDD372DFEB82AF3972DEACF6D4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_1B9BFDDD372DFEB82AF3972DEACF6D4B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C6EAFA258A3CCD378687972DEACF8B4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_C6EAFA258A3CCD378687972DEACF8B4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1510A29D869E902B6212972DEACF9292" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0FEB8972D5CD2D0A99EA972DEACF9102" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1510A29D869E902B6212972DEACF9292" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6B70B4B54CD9DC4EC37C972DEACF156E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6B70B4B54CD9DC4EC37C972DEACF156E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_82B8444090E6B6196194972DEACF8583_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6B70B4B54CD9DC4EC37C972DEACF156E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_82B8444090E6B6196194972DEACF8583_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_82B8444090E6B6196194972DEACF8583" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis_6B70B4B54CD9DC4EC37C972DEACF156E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_82B8444090E6B6196194972DEACF8583" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_OmegaRefiningMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_OmegaRefiningMember_AD61B2419465C8EE810A972DEAD50B11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_82B8444090E6B6196194972DEACF8583" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_OmegaRefiningMember_AD61B2419465C8EE810A972DEAD50B11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2E489C9AE13C65540F7972DEAD50D5A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2E489C9AE13C65540F7972DEAD50D5A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2E489C9AE13C65540F7972DEAD50D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_A2E489C9AE13C65540F7972DEAD50D5A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_E6F9FCFAE5948C7FB48F972DEAD68EC4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_E6F9FCFAE5948C7FB48F972DEAD68EC4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_1DC5F1A2D8EC3AFEC317972DEAD6B703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableOtherPayablesMember_1DC5F1A2D8EC3AFEC317972DEAD6B703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_22EA76C453FF223CCB34972DEAD6780C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesPayableToBanksMember_22EA76C453FF223CCB34972DEAD6780C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember_CB5736FF6FE5908F1913972DEAD6ABB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_InsurancePremiumFinancingMember_CB5736FF6FE5908F1913972DEAD6ABB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_EEAB551B95C743197BE4972DEAD6F052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_33547F8049A1362E00F0972DEAD514FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember_EEAB551B95C743197BE4972DEAD6F052" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_752278058FADBF8A2CE0972DEAD60328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_752278058FADBF8A2CE0972DEAD60328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_752278058FADBF8A2CE0972DEAD60328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_752278058FADBF8A2CE0972DEAD60328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_9B06453159FB00482D19972DEAD70E95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FederalFundsEffectiveSwapRateMember_9B06453159FB00482D19972DEAD70E95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_70903BDC50E26F3BCD35972DEAD7E41D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_70903BDC50E26F3BCD35972DEAD7E41D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ICEBenchmarkAdministrationLimitedMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ICEBenchmarkAdministrationLimitedMember_F0C95E382CC909BAE832972DEAD71F92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_618C4D0A46655B4746B7972DEAD74392" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ICEBenchmarkAdministrationLimitedMember_F0C95E382CC909BAE832972DEAD71F92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E298BEE35295BD9552AE972DEAD752AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityTable_D7B04C4064A60F870033972DEAC7479D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E298BEE35295BD9552AE972DEAD752AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E298BEE35295BD9552AE972DEAD752AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_E298BEE35295BD9552AE972DEAD752AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_CreditAgreement2014Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_CreditAgreement2014Member_E4ACF0949CF138264299972DEAD84DFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_CreditAgreement2014Member_E4ACF0949CF138264299972DEAD84DFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RestatedCreditAgreement2016Member" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RestatedCreditAgreement2016Member_2E8075B95E740CDD8153972DEAD89C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RestatedCreditAgreement2016Member_2E8075B95E740CDD8153972DEAD89C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_MidCapLoanAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_MidCapLoanAgreementMember_4A840E0E85E405829ABA972DEAD84EE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_MidCapLoanAgreementMember_4A840E0E85E405829ABA972DEAD84EE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_MidcapFirstAmendmentMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_MidcapFirstAmendmentMember_49CAA81C6A0408DDEAAC972DEAD8807B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_MidcapFirstAmendmentMember_49CAA81C6A0408DDEAAC972DEAD8807B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_FoxNoteMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_FoxNoteMember_D58B04B6095C105832C2972DEAD8B241" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_FoxNoteMember_D58B04B6095C105832C2972DEAD8B241" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TexasCitizensBankLoanMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankLoanMember_F6D514F921BDE02F0FD9972DEADDE7D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_43804F1E5941905C8BBD972DEAD7730B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TexasCitizensBankLoanMember_F6D514F921BDE02F0FD9972DEADDE7D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_4FC2A847A8D5C2F7E919972DEADEF7A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount_4FC2A847A8D5C2F7E919972DEADEF7A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_5C01B07BBC6B1A42607E972DEADE97F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1_5C01B07BBC6B1A42607E972DEADE97F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_F7AB505063B874161291972DEADE720A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage_F7AB505063B874161291972DEADE720A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateComponentofNumerator" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateComponentofNumerator_9DE35E9EBEE52A8A1456972DEADF387C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadonVariableRateComponentofNumerator_9DE35E9EBEE52A8A1456972DEADF387C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5594EF14B002B9B3DD46972DEADF8858" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity_5594EF14B002B9B3DD46972DEADF8858" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCredit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_392B86A8B8F460A16B5F972DEADF51E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCredit_392B86A8B8F460A16B5F972DEADF51E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_7535917FA5A9D8C4CEDB972DEADFAE3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityRemainingBorrowingCapacity_7535917FA5A9D8C4CEDB972DEADFAE3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal_A9762923B33AB2DA5083972DEADF2310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentPeriodicPaymentPrincipal_A9762923B33AB2DA5083972DEADF2310" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_56600424BFA4A4AFBF07972DEADF83FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_56600424BFA4A4AFBF07972DEADF83FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalCashProceedsPayablePerAgreementThreshold" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalCashProceedsPayablePerAgreementThreshold_2B3A87C3714D007DF8EF972DEADFB622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityAdditionalCashProceedsPayablePerAgreementThreshold_2B3A87C3714D007DF8EF972DEADFB622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityEarningsbeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationandAmortizationMeasurementPeriod" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityEarningsbeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationandAmortizationMeasurementPeriod_536AF5F73FFAF495E6D4972DEAE0726E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityEarningsbeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationandAmortizationMeasurementPeriod_536AF5F73FFAF495E6D4972DEAE0726E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsPeriodforSynergiestobeAchieved" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsPeriodforSynergiestobeAchieved_D027EDB9CE04644CCCBF972DEAE043C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsPeriodforSynergiestobeAchieved_D027EDB9CE04644CCCBF972DEAE043C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsMinimumLiquidity" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsMinimumLiquidity_8DF0A68E7667F8A63CD1972DEAE02890" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityCovenantTermsMinimumLiquidity_8DF0A68E7667F8A63CD1972DEAE02890" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_F78E0DDD9BA1650869D0972DEAE06F15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount_F78E0DDD9BA1650869D0972DEAE06F15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_227AB13BE0A94020B5F0972DEAE07546" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalRemainderOfFiscalYear_227AB13BE0A94020B5F0972DEAE07546" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_509E9E41AC2D0C8E1E27972DEAE0AEEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo_509E9E41AC2D0C8E1E27972DEAE0AEEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_489F45F08BACA7205A2F972DEAE0F0C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree_489F45F08BACA7205A2F972DEAE0F0C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmount" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmount_C039B6F5C11384165BCA972DEAE1E7BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmount_C039B6F5C11384165BCA972DEAE1E7BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmountPercentageofAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmountPercentageofAccountsReceivable_5BFA05FCBE446C9700E9972DEAE63904" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExpectedAmountPercentageofAccountsReceivable_5BFA05FCBE446C9700E9972DEAE63904" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmount" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmount_006A15AF5A1A8F7E7912972DEAE63EAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmount_006A15AF5A1A8F7E7912972DEAE63EAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmountPercentageofInventory" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmountPercentageofInventory_FE93F1C3706BB0A0CEF5972DEAE65A56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentAdditionalExpectedAmountPercentageofInventory_FE93F1C3706BB0A0CEF5972DEAE65A56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPerCustomer" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPerCustomer_EA5052B8C4EC6E475A9A972DEAE7A513" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_LineofCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacityPerCustomer_EA5052B8C4EC6E475A9A972DEAE7A513" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEventofDefault" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEventofDefault_2053C6AEE2E9F53341C8972DEAE7CEFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEventofDefault_2053C6AEE2E9F53341C8972DEAE7CEFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentNumberofExtensionOptions" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentNumberofExtensionOptions_3392C64AE8E9EE5CEC96972DEAE70A59" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentNumberofExtensionOptions_3392C64AE8E9EE5CEC96972DEAE70A59" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentLengthofExtensionOptions" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentLengthofExtensionOptions_12FC72EB927C489F2A7A972DEAE713C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentLengthofExtensionOptions_12FC72EB927C489F2A7A972DEAE713C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentExtensionFeePercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExtensionFeePercentage_71AA5692D10A31A8B962972DEAE73AF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentExtensionFeePercentage_71AA5692D10A31A8B962972DEAE73AF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentTermsDecreaseinAmountRepaid" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentTermsDecreaseinAmountRepaid_868C9E3E4EF0EBFE8932972DEAE739F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentPrepaymentTermsDecreaseinAmountRepaid_868C9E3E4EF0EBFE8932972DEAE739F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_39A904FBF956980BCEC8972DEAE74DEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage_39A904FBF956980BCEC8972DEAE74DEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_711716505509CC1AE67F972DEAE727F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsIncludingCurrentMaturities_711716505509CC1AE67F972DEAE727F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_D79A3949137BCE045070972DEAE8AED7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMinimum_D79A3949137BCE045070972DEAE8AED7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_AE3BB7BEF5045F333DF3972DEAE8EAFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentageRateRangeMaximum_AE3BB7BEF5045F333DF3972DEAE8EAFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNumberofCapitalLeasesAssumed" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNumberofCapitalLeasesAssumed_DA730B043022612A45A6972DEAE81B66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredandLiabilitiesAssumedNumberofCapitalLeasesAssumed_DA730B043022612A45A6972DEAE81B66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_742626271EA75BF283BD972DEAE857A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="33" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedCapitalLeaseObligation_742626271EA75BF283BD972DEAE857A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_95CE8353BAD1B039E8C4972DEAE8EFF8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="34" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_95CE8353BAD1B039E8C4972DEAE8EFF8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_5E59770D86987CF35398972DEAE9D2DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="35" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_5E59770D86987CF35398972DEAE9D2DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_FBED7B719B243934984F972DEAE96ED9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="36" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityLineItems_5948C8A642D9AC4DB1FE972DEADED400" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WriteOffOfDeferredDebtIssuanceCost_FBED7B719B243934984F972DEAE96ED9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/LineOfCreditAndLongTermDebtTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivable" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9A33F5AF7ABACED8C9187943E60C7BAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9A33F5AF7ABACED8C9187943E60C7BAA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_87C13625EEA7C9D6650C7943E60CD693" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9A33F5AF7ABACED8C9187943E60C7BAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_87C13625EEA7C9D6650C7943E60CD693" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_226E34DC82DC2FAD7F147943E60DEF9D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_87C13625EEA7C9D6650C7943E60CD693" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_226E34DC82DC2FAD7F147943E60DEF9D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_226E34DC82DC2FAD7F147943E60DEF9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationAxis_87C13625EEA7C9D6650C7943E60CD693" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_226E34DC82DC2FAD7F147943E60DEF9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember_4B67F121ED9B19849EE97943E60D03E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DisposalGroupClassificationDomain_226E34DC82DC2FAD7F147943E60DEF9D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationsHeldforsaleMember_4B67F121ED9B19849EE97943E60D03E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_6BDB2ED963FAAE7AC3577943E60D3148" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable_9A33F5AF7ABACED8C9187943E60C7BAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_6BDB2ED963FAAE7AC3577943E60D3148" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ADC562FE1D84FAB661AB7943E60D5CC7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_6BDB2ED963FAAE7AC3577943E60D3148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ADC562FE1D84FAB661AB7943E60D5CC7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ADC562FE1D84FAB661AB7943E60D5CC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_6BDB2ED963FAAE7AC3577943E60D3148" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ADC562FE1D84FAB661AB7943E60D5CC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_OmegaHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_OmegaHoldingsLLCMember_31615A2226A0BE2BA2F07943E60D7DA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_ADC562FE1D84FAB661AB7943E60D5CC7" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_OmegaHoldingsLLCMember_31615A2226A0BE2BA2F07943E60D7DA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent_9C931F87C43838C0863D7943E60D8E70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesAndLoansReceivableNetNoncurrent_9C931F87C43838C0863D7943E60D8E70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_FinancingReceivableInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_FinancingReceivableInterestRateStatedPercentage_3A66D3F16352268AB18F7943E60D10E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_FinancingReceivableInterestRateStatedPercentage_3A66D3F16352268AB18F7943E60D10E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable_B3BF63BC1C375EC3E6627943E60E26AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationAccountsReceivable_B3BF63BC1C375EC3E6627943E60E26AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent_F8298514532C6009E0347943E60EABBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems_FACB638210EF80B588007943E60D6EF2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationNotesReceivableCurrent_F8298514532C6009E0347943E60EABBF" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/NotesReceivableTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrants" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_1B8C39E9B8CCA9574CAF95C5BF08E53E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_1B8C39E9B8CCA9574CAF95C5BF08E53E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D804DF2638E1F349D8095C5BF082A57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_1B8C39E9B8CCA9574CAF95C5BF08E53E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D804DF2638E1F349D8095C5BF082A57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_72AA4853A80B58AB6C8995C5BF0893A1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D804DF2638E1F349D8095C5BF082A57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_72AA4853A80B58AB6C8995C5BF0893A1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_72AA4853A80B58AB6C8995C5BF0893A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_1D804DF2638E1F349D8095C5BF082A57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_72AA4853A80B58AB6C8995C5BF0893A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_9413A6FFE71BB109479995C5BF082C81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_72AA4853A80B58AB6C8995C5BF0893A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_9413A6FFE71BB109479995C5BF082C81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_41E1D3C796711FA6D86D95C5BF098E79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_41E1D3C796711FA6D86D95C5BF098E79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue_0356DFD06A9B7FAB595795C5BF0A0415" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue_0356DFD06A9B7FAB595795C5BF0A0415" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature_AEC8DADD9E5EAC80BE9E95C5BF0AA3DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature_AEC8DADD9E5EAC80BE9E95C5BF0AA3DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityIssuanceCostsandFees" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityIssuanceCostsandFees_57749D310C26DD675ACA95C5BF0A01CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityIssuanceCostsandFees_57749D310C26DD675ACA95C5BF0A01CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityUnaccretedDiscount" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityUnaccretedDiscount_D8AC5DA3F10D49B4817E95C5BF0B1E06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityUnaccretedDiscount_D8AC5DA3F10D49B4817E95C5BF0B1E06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_8927215E9AEA2DC6DE0A95C5BF0B7141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_8927215E9AEA2DC6DE0A95C5BF0B7141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_422DFE3D4049E104C59595C5BF0BC602" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_6BA958EBE39E31B1C42C95C5BF0945DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_422DFE3D4049E104C59595C5BF0BC602" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_E98A2551EBE89C7DEA0295C5BF0B520B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_422DFE3D4049E104C59595C5BF0BC602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationsRecurringBasisLiabilityValue_E98A2551EBE89C7DEA0295C5BF0B520B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_3D8FAACAA6A8940920DD95C5BF0B1C36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_422DFE3D4049E104C59595C5BF0BC602" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityIssues_3D8FAACAA6A8940920DD95C5BF0B1C36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityChangeinValuation" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityChangeinValuation_6570FBDFDF777C4A918195C5BF0C729D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_422DFE3D4049E104C59595C5BF0BC602" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_FairValueMeasurementwithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisLiabilityChangeinValuation_6570FBDFDF777C4A918195C5BF0C729D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails2" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_3CBFEC7F510869CA71F196CA4C72EAE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_3CBFEC7F510869CA71F196CA4C72EAE7" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A9A11490FC3937BF085996CA4C724B01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_3CBFEC7F510869CA71F196CA4C72EAE7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A9A11490FC3937BF085996CA4C724B01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8A0A3A3E7DD276C4FCD396CA4C72D233_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A9A11490FC3937BF085996CA4C724B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8A0A3A3E7DD276C4FCD396CA4C72D233_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8A0A3A3E7DD276C4FCD396CA4C72D233" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A9A11490FC3937BF085996CA4C724B01" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8A0A3A3E7DD276C4FCD396CA4C72D233" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_A4259E1689C265E6CEC696CA4C725798" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_8A0A3A3E7DD276C4FCD396CA4C72D233" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_A4259E1689C265E6CEC696CA4C725798" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_1BAE5FAA24E185FC393496CA4C7351D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityValueExcludingAdditionalPaidInCapital_1BAE5FAA24E185FC393496CA4C7351D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue_616EB614F4A63398302396CA4C7381E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityWarrantsIssuedValue_616EB614F4A63398302396CA4C7381E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityAllocatedValueofPreferredStock" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityAllocatedValueofPreferredStock_40D327D3808ED40034B296CA4C736722" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityAllocatedValueofPreferredStock_40D327D3808ED40034B296CA4C736722" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConversionofCommonStockSharestobeConverted" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConversionofCommonStockSharestobeConverted_83CD878E4037B1F7A8D496CA4C735057" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConversionofCommonStockSharestobeConverted_83CD878E4037B1F7A8D496CA4C735057" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityEffectiveConversionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityEffectiveConversionPricePerShare_7943B66CC593BEA32FB596CA4C7325C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityEffectiveConversionPricePerShare_7943B66CC593BEA32FB596CA4C7325C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_E2AC5B7BB22F396B178A96CA4C73F698" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_E2AC5B7BB22F396B178A96CA4C73F698" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_TemporaryEquityIntrinsicValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityIntrinsicValuePerShare_E1ECB82A369726FFE64196CA4C7372A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_TemporaryEquityIntrinsicValuePerShare_E1ECB82A369726FFE64196CA4C7372A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeatureIntrinsicValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeatureIntrinsicValue_407454FFF09C085A77DC96CA4C73344C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_5FA9375AC323D32F7C8396CA4C721451" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeatureIntrinsicValue_407454FFF09C085A77DC96CA4C73344C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetails3" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A84ED57E6FF76E777236961B35C0F465" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A84ED57E6FF76E777236961B35C0F465" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_70BE7028485324B2E529961B35C0DEF9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A84ED57E6FF76E777236961B35C0F465" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_70BE7028485324B2E529961B35C0DEF9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_70BE7028485324B2E529961B35C0DEF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_A84ED57E6FF76E777236961B35C0F465" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_70BE7028485324B2E529961B35C0DEF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_2104AE8F35F102F00651961B35C0D058" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_70BE7028485324B2E529961B35C0DEF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_2104AE8F35F102F00651961B35C0D058" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_F6681937AB2D36B1AFDC961B35C1C2CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_F6681937AB2D36B1AFDC961B35C1C2CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_CAFDA7191C242F27AA4A961B35C14787_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_F6681937AB2D36B1AFDC961B35C1C2CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_CAFDA7191C242F27AA4A961B35C14787_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_CAFDA7191C242F27AA4A961B35C14787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_F6681937AB2D36B1AFDC961B35C1C2CF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_CAFDA7191C242F27AA4A961B35C14787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AF9AB22F4180D10273B6961B35C14E20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_CAFDA7191C242F27AA4A961B35C14787" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_AF9AB22F4180D10273B6961B35C14E20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7DE9BF4979903CB78EA3961B35C1BE51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7DE9BF4979903CB78EA3961B35C1BE51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7BAED1772AF5B058EDCD961B35C10BA3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7DE9BF4979903CB78EA3961B35C1BE51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7BAED1772AF5B058EDCD961B35C10BA3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7BAED1772AF5B058EDCD961B35C10BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_7DE9BF4979903CB78EA3961B35C1BE51" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7BAED1772AF5B058EDCD961B35C10BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_F833E734B3E866B8322F961B35C1C789" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_7BAED1772AF5B058EDCD961B35C10BA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_F833E734B3E866B8322F961B35C1C789" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_DF20A069E8BEA7947ED5961B35C1F4A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_DF20A069E8BEA7947ED5961B35C1F4A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98A3E0D850B1D31AF993961B35C1957F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_DF20A069E8BEA7947ED5961B35C1F4A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98A3E0D850B1D31AF993961B35C1957F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98A3E0D850B1D31AF993961B35C1957F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_DF20A069E8BEA7947ED5961B35C1F4A0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98A3E0D850B1D31AF993961B35C1957F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_4064635FB0AAF0DEC86F961B35C1F878" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_98A3E0D850B1D31AF993961B35C1957F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_4064635FB0AAF0DEC86F961B35C1F878" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4B8934FCE83AC72B2BF7961B35C10642" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityByClassOfStockTable_D3961134F297D573FF17961B35C08178" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4B8934FCE83AC72B2BF7961B35C10642" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4B8934FCE83AC72B2BF7961B35C10642" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_4B8934FCE83AC72B2BF7961B35C10642" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_8B5E34E99ED5AEFC2485961B35C233C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_8B5E34E99ED5AEFC2485961B35C233C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_405620D3D0CCAD2CF226961B35C217F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_FD678F33666009237CD5961B35C195B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_405620D3D0CCAD2CF226961B35C217F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_DE8C96E32856A58AB34C961B35C28B50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DividendsPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_DE8C96E32856A58AB34C961B35C28B50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice_922A515B968929F48219961B35C22B2F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice_922A515B968929F48219961B35C22B2F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage_105CBF4BF7F7B03BCF02961B35C232F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage_105CBF4BF7F7B03BCF02961B35C232F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays_C27C92852BC2482E53CC961B35C2008F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays_C27C92852BC2482E53CC961B35C2008F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares_D997093C35F5D0EB730B961B35C257C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares_D997093C35F5D0EB730B961B35C257C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted_5DFFCB49AE89FB60F2CD961B35C270EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted_5DFFCB49AE89FB60F2CD961B35C270EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_1301205A31E6FB3C581D961B35C24A98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_1301205A31E6FB3C581D961B35C24A98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_73620883EF878E34ED71961B35C226C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_73620883EF878E34ED71961B35C226C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_6C174C6E9967218F2D9E961B35C2B9AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_6C174C6E9967218F2D9E961B35C2B9AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_259D160620408B859382961B35C3AC9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_259D160620408B859382961B35C3AC9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsPricePerShare_70404F58E5726FD5FB44961B35C30B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsPricePerShare_70404F58E5726FD5FB44961B35C30B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_10988957B0DEF4C97718961B35C3856C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_10988957B0DEF4C97718961B35C3856C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockVotingRightsAssumedConversionPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockVotingRightsAssumedConversionPrice_92DA0B4ED6225CE71582961B35C35AE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockVotingRightsAssumedConversionPrice_92DA0B4ED6225CE71582961B35C35AE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation_76560AA06B75F5FD2DFC961B35C3E471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation_76560AA06B75F5FD2DFC961B35C3E471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitationNoticePeriod" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitationNoticePeriod_13CA7CC09F513EC41281961B35C32F2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityLineItems_4498F51EFCC847E54957961B35C2B6E2" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitationNoticePeriod_13CA7CC09F513EC41281961B35C32F2A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsDetailsNarrative" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_581C53D4FAF06321D834A02FF0B742D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_581C53D4FAF06321D834A02FF0B742D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C204FB82E1CF2A978F97A02FF0B7299B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_581C53D4FAF06321D834A02FF0B742D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C204FB82E1CF2A978F97A02FF0B7299B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C204FB82E1CF2A978F97A02FF0B7299B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_581C53D4FAF06321D834A02FF0B742D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C204FB82E1CF2A978F97A02FF0B7299B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_7E8E4AA6577C73637654A02FF0B8B206" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_C204FB82E1CF2A978F97A02FF0B7299B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityMember_7E8E4AA6577C73637654A02FF0B8B206" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6A8AAADE39E558333A88A02FF0B8478F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6A8AAADE39E558333A88A02FF0B8478F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6A8AAADE39E558333A88A02FF0B8478F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_6A8AAADE39E558333A88A02FF0B8478F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_CD6D82DFF40B1FC4BC05A02FF0B8E502" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_CD6D82DFF40B1FC4BC05A02FF0B8E502" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_19689042BFBB114A1D8FA02FF0B91894" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_5237730A7E500AF477D4A02FF0B80226" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_19689042BFBB114A1D8FA02FF0B91894" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_13E8B0941EB1CDC39B53A02FF0B91C39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_13E8B0941EB1CDC39B53A02FF0B91C39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_650E5D8F66B938EA9219A02FF0B96088_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_13E8B0941EB1CDC39B53A02FF0B91C39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_650E5D8F66B938EA9219A02FF0B96088_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_650E5D8F66B938EA9219A02FF0B96088" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_13E8B0941EB1CDC39B53A02FF0B91C39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_650E5D8F66B938EA9219A02FF0B96088" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_WarrantsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_WarrantsMember_208D2B82C7BADC5FFA18A02FF0B9677C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_650E5D8F66B938EA9219A02FF0B96088" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_WarrantsMember_208D2B82C7BADC5FFA18A02FF0B9677C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_7013505D829CE22C3F65A02FF0B9F525" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfStockByClassTable_C8641D862D50ABE388FFA02FF0B727C5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_7013505D829CE22C3F65A02FF0B9F525" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_7013505D829CE22C3F65A02FF0B9F525" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_7013505D829CE22C3F65A02FF0B9F525" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_E8C1857892DF4E5F1A01A02FF0BA5FA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesAPreferredStockMember_E8C1857892DF4E5F1A01A02FF0BA5FA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_0E5ECA3D23983C311ACEA02FF0BAC298" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_0E5ECA3D23983C311ACEA02FF0BAC298" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_FCD4B4F80A8332C19AE6A02FF0BA96A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMember_FCD4B4F80A8332C19AE6A02FF0BA96A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_960DCB0E6FD305E9C956A02FF0BAF52E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_54DC72D627BBE9736DE5A02FF0B9862A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockMember_960DCB0E6FD305E9C956A02FF0BAF52E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_CD1EFD091194A12054C1A02FF0BA3D8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_CD1EFD091194A12054C1A02FF0BA3D8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_4634115318FF6A52AC06A02FF0BBBEDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_4634115318FF6A52AC06A02FF0BBBEDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_81534FBB43BA3FE27AB4A02FF0BBAD1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_81534FBB43BA3FE27AB4A02FF0BBAD1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_483240C873036804AF37A02FF0BBFB28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_483240C873036804AF37A02FF0BBFB28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockAmountReceivedPriorToSimilarLiquidationPaymentsPerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockAmountReceivedPriorToSimilarLiquidationPaymentsPerShare_9A328B52374DAAE6277FA02FF0BB8F82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockAmountReceivedPriorToSimilarLiquidationPaymentsPerShare_9A328B52374DAAE6277FA02FF0BB8F82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageCommonStockPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageCommonStockPricePerShare_2F0F95358F51F5D6F255A02FF0BB99C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageCommonStockPricePerShare_2F0F95358F51F5D6F255A02FF0BB99C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_NumberofConsecutiveTradingDaysConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversion" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_NumberofConsecutiveTradingDaysConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversion_0FF7448FEDF73935F9C2A02FF0BB3251" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_NumberofConsecutiveTradingDaysConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversion_0FF7448FEDF73935F9C2A02FF0BB3251" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageDailyTradingVolume" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageDailyTradingVolume_54FB6DAA29C322390D9CA02FF0BC45DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionAverageDailyTradingVolume_54FB6DAA29C322390D9CA02FF0BC45DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionPublicOfferingSharePrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionPublicOfferingSharePrice_482316142D07225A39A9A02FF0BC5879" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionPublicOfferingSharePrice_482316142D07225A39A9A02FF0BC5879" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumGrossPublicOfferingAmount" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumGrossPublicOfferingAmount_401558FE6A73225B4E83A02FF0BCD65E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumGrossPublicOfferingAmount_401558FE6A73225B4E83A02FF0BCD65E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumProceedstoShareholdersifCompanyisSoldPerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumProceedstoShareholdersifCompanyisSoldPerShare_EF07CFE7089101DA4403A02FF0BC7BBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockConditionsforAutomaticCommonStockConversionMinimumProceedstoShareholdersifCompanyisSoldPerShare_EF07CFE7089101DA4403A02FF0BC7BBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_D22DDBDFD46FE454EC5BA02FF0BC4B06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConvertiblePreferredStockSharesIssuedUponConversion_D22DDBDFD46FE454EC5BA02FF0BC4B06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_CB447265C716B7170E9CA02FF0BC313C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendRatePercentage_CB447265C716B7170E9CA02FF0BC313C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears_874C3308CFF12CD8E4F6A02FF0BC4E01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockPerShareAmountsOfPreferredDividendsInArrears_874C3308CFF12CD8E4F6A02FF0BC4E01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage_62520EFC875C74908088A02FF0BC2046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockPercentage_62520EFC875C74908088A02FF0BC2046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays_DBC59F93DB6826C25A6DA02FF0BDBBD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsAverageoftheVolumeWeightedAveragePriceofCommonStockNumberofTradingDays_DBC59F93DB6826C25A6DA02FF0BDBBD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice_9B684D56780EF2383FD0A02FF0BD382F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockDividendsMinimumDividendStockPaymentPrice_9B684D56780EF2383FD0A02FF0BD382F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DividendsPayablePreferredStockPaidinkindPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DividendsPayablePreferredStockPaidinkindPricePerShare_69AD09C79180F60203B1A02FF0BD2803" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DividendsPayablePreferredStockPaidinkindPricePerShare_69AD09C79180F60203B1A02FF0BD2803" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_25A9698E230AA099DDACA02FF0BDB8E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockLiquidationPreference_25A9698E230AA099DDACA02FF0BDB8E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdClosingPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdClosingPrice_D8E8E2F7C00B2AAC35F4A02FF0BD398B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdClosingPrice_D8E8E2F7C00B2AAC35F4A02FF0BD398B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsClosingPricetoForceConversion" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsClosingPricetoForceConversion_A5DF63ACBBA6367D8BD2A02FF0BDA549" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsClosingPricetoForceConversion_A5DF63ACBBA6367D8BD2A02FF0BDA549" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_7D30B284E38329624C70A02FF0BD517C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsThresholdConsecutiveTradingDays_7D30B284E38329624C70A02FF0BD517C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_3AC2ED484DA70339E2F8A02FF0BEA2B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockRedemptionPricePerShare_3AC2ED484DA70339E2F8A02FF0BEA2B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation_A7B9240B26FBA884998CA02FF0BEE88F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConvertiblePreferredStockConversionTermsBeneficialOwnershipLimitation_A7B9240B26FBA884998CA02FF0BEE88F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockLineItems_8FF653C021CFDE0A9964A02FF0BAD419" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold_0BD27181CBC37792A3BCA02FF0BE91C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold_0BD27181CBC37792A3BCA02FF0BE91C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit_22DE91F802EA2530BCCFA02FF0BE8EDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit_22DE91F802EA2530BCCFA02FF0BE8EDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit_E250A3A22942AFAB10B4A02FF0BEB3F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit_E250A3A22942AFAB10B4A02FF0BEB3F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_8C801956945C0DF2309BA02FF0BFBF31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_8C801956945C0DF2309BA02FF0BFBF31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit_819D10B613ED38D6ECDEA02FF0BF3504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit_819D10B613ED38D6ECDEA02FF0BF3504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage_0D884C9D8F40996DC864A02FF0BFCB12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage_0D884C9D8F40996DC864A02FF0BFCB12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_C571C22C73CDB8A8F783A02FF0BFFE63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_C571C22C73CDB8A8F783A02FF0BFFE63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_F329910F2972BC7D9917A02FF0BFDDD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_F329910F2972BC7D9917A02FF0BFDDD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice_F48ACE49E361EC9504F0A02FF0BFAC7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice_F48ACE49E361EC9504F0A02FF0BFAC7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross_F21CAFCE7C277290A59AA02FF0C0BA5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross_F21CAFCE7C277290A59AA02FF0C0BA5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds_51C79AACB8EFC16B9B02A02FF0C091CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds_51C79AACB8EFC16B9B02A02FF0C091CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PrivatePlacementAmountRaisedfromVariousInvestorsforNoFee" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementAmountRaisedfromVariousInvestorsforNoFee_BD1F4169DC18231EC376A02FF0C02C9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementAmountRaisedfromVariousInvestorsforNoFee_BD1F4169DC18231EC376A02FF0C02C9F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions_60FE1D7FF5F38BAA1C53A02FF0C0FF92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions_60FE1D7FF5F38BAA1C53A02FF0C0FF92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_D60083C219E5AED9E02BA02FF0C04E2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_D60083C219E5AED9E02BA02FF0C04E2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmount" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmount_2FF6ED0CCEEC151EE64BA02FF0C0E7C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmount_2FF6ED0CCEEC151EE64BA02FF0C0E7C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmountMaximum" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmountMaximum_B3F5534BE3F0F4995C56A02FF0C0D3D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementLiquidatedDamagesPercentageofAggregateSubscriptionAmountMaximum_B3F5534BE3F0F4995C56A02FF0C0D3D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_WarrantsIssuedBlackScholesModelValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_WarrantsIssuedBlackScholesModelValue_60BF5BB978810560B261A02FF0C01846" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_WarrantsIssuedBlackScholesModelValue_60BF5BB978810560B261A02FF0C01846" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_821B66A99026AC1E4FD7A02FF0C1532B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedDividendRate_821B66A99026AC1E4FD7A02FF0C1532B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_91A1561166364EBCF6C0A02FF0C1A7E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedVolatilityRate_91A1561166364EBCF6C0A02FF0C1A7E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_11CDC8915F1B830A44AAA02FF0C1BD3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsRiskFreeInterestRate_11CDC8915F1B830A44AAA02FF0C1BD3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm_D78432828F3E859E04CDA02FF0C103FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssumptionsExpectedTerm_D78432828F3E859E04CDA02FF0C103FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature_5B73C4C6C7FA76142FBDA02FF0C17BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreferredStockTermsofConversionBeneficialConversionFeature_5B73C4C6C7FA76142FBDA02FF0C17BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PrivatePlacementFees" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementFees_C723D77765DFF8DB0E58A02FF0C2BD87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementFees_C723D77765DFF8DB0E58A02FF0C2BD87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_1C2ED3CE1F16D7BBFEFCA02FF0C2E3EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TemporaryEquityCarryingAmountAttributableToParent_1C2ED3CE1F16D7BBFEFCA02FF0C2E3EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1DB8CF20F74F3422980EA02FF0C2B291" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsNoteDisclosureAbstract_CE94EA4B584E6E0109D9A02FF0BEC1AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilitiesNoncurrent_1DB8CF20F74F3422980EA02FF0C2B291" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/PreferredStockAndDetachableWarrantsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReporting" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_CA13DFF54165A4DB6B8964ADE245C5D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A6D6A8EAC012D861193C64ADE243BAF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_CA13DFF54165A4DB6B8964ADE245C5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A6D6A8EAC012D861193C64ADE243BAF4" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1F66C2D53F4855EF178164ADE243E988" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A6D6A8EAC012D861193C64ADE243BAF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1F66C2D53F4855EF178164ADE243E988" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_72A4BBF833C7544782AE64ADE2435FFB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1F66C2D53F4855EF178164ADE243E988" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_72A4BBF833C7544782AE64ADE2435FFB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_72A4BBF833C7544782AE64ADE2435FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_1F66C2D53F4855EF178164ADE243E988" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_72A4BBF833C7544782AE64ADE2435FFB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_626467804484925E27E264ADE243EAE9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_72A4BBF833C7544782AE64ADE2435FFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_626467804484925E27E264ADE243EAE9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FEF8A4C8C439794A2D1164ADE244C4B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_A6D6A8EAC012D861193C64ADE243BAF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FEF8A4C8C439794A2D1164ADE244C4B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FEF8A4C8C439794A2D1164ADE244C4B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_FEF8A4C8C439794A2D1164ADE244C4B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_BlackOilMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_BlackOilMember_26C454BAEE8C93D420DF64ADE24427F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_BlackOilMember_26C454BAEE8C93D420DF64ADE24427F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RefiningAndMarketingMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RefiningAndMarketingMember_26BA61A57523CB457ED264ADE2440427" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RefiningAndMarketingMember_26BA61A57523CB457ED264ADE2440427" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_RecoveryMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_RecoveryMember_CBB184A51A636301EEF464ADE2443ABC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BF637B1DA3705E325B4364ADE244A787" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_RecoveryMember_CBB184A51A636301EEF464ADE2443ABC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_E32E4C90D08D72AB7C2A64ADE245FAA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_CA13DFF54165A4DB6B8964ADE245C5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet_E32E4C90D08D72AB7C2A64ADE245FAA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9033346F632C77DA4C5264ADE245F970" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_CA13DFF54165A4DB6B8964ADE245C5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss_9033346F632C77DA4C5264ADE245F970" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SegmentReportingTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SubsequentEvents" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_CA2B39AA7ED1FAFC43E9A114C1179E27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_CA2B39AA7ED1FAFC43E9A114C1179E27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_966072990F08E2140735A114C11732E4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_CA2B39AA7ED1FAFC43E9A114C1179E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_966072990F08E2140735A114C11732E4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_966072990F08E2140735A114C11732E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CounterpartyNameAxis_CA2B39AA7ED1FAFC43E9A114C1179E27" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_966072990F08E2140735A114C11732E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PreviousParticipatingInvestorsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PreviousParticipatingInvestorsMember_3DC983C1E5A6F7A0C948A114C117787D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_966072990F08E2140735A114C11732E4" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PreviousParticipatingInvestorsMember_3DC983C1E5A6F7A0C948A114C117787D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_47BA36C281EBD55D4EDFA114C118C096" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_47BA36C281EBD55D4EDFA114C118C096" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BBFDC86D2CFB90807F17A114C118FECF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_47BA36C281EBD55D4EDFA114C118C096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BBFDC86D2CFB90807F17A114C118FECF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BBFDC86D2CFB90807F17A114C118FECF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_47BA36C281EBD55D4EDFA114C118C096" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BBFDC86D2CFB90807F17A114C118FECF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_1F0902A8FD4EC4D4EE89A114C1185B6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BBFDC86D2CFB90807F17A114C118FECF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioForecastMember_1F0902A8FD4EC4D4EE89A114C1185B6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F6CCA1702D51C907BCD8A114C1184F82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F6CCA1702D51C907BCD8A114C1184F82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762912CB469A37D109EFA114C118C2EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F6CCA1702D51C907BCD8A114C1184F82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762912CB469A37D109EFA114C118C2EC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762912CB469A37D109EFA114C118C2EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis_F6CCA1702D51C907BCD8A114C1184F82" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762912CB469A37D109EFA114C118C2EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_39033F6ECAAD3537E89EA114C118C220" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_762912CB469A37D109EFA114C118C2EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember_39033F6ECAAD3537E89EA114C118C220" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FF61FEDBDAFF69937AB0A114C1187B46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FF61FEDBDAFF69937AB0A114C1187B46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_862B1AA12C8469831779A114C118F57B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FF61FEDBDAFF69937AB0A114C1187B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_862B1AA12C8469831779A114C118F57B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_862B1AA12C8469831779A114C118F57B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_FF61FEDBDAFF69937AB0A114C1187B46" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_862B1AA12C8469831779A114C118F57B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_AmendmentNumber1toAmendedCreditAgreementMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_AmendmentNumber1toAmendedCreditAgreementMember_531D09A61F8336EC6B3EA114C1187638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_862B1AA12C8469831779A114C118F57B" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_AmendmentNumber1toAmendedCreditAgreementMember_531D09A61F8336EC6B3EA114C1187638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3EBFAE9714E7287EC28DA114C1186024" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3EBFAE9714E7287EC28DA114C1186024" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3EBFAE9714E7287EC28DA114C1186024" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualAxis_3EBFAE9714E7287EC28DA114C1186024" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_0A334A061AA103CE8E15A114C119243F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChiefExecutiveOfficerMember_0A334A061AA103CE8E15A114C119243F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChiefFinancialOfficerMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChiefFinancialOfficerMember_5ED6AEC5AACD15FB3C2EA114C119D96C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TitleOfIndividualWithRelationshipToEntityDomain_51B9176A4B3F2F3799F8A114C1195C7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChiefFinancialOfficerMember_5ED6AEC5AACD15FB3C2EA114C119D96C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_8DA81B259FF6031B1CF1A114C1195E43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_8DA81B259FF6031B1CF1A114C1195E43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_28AEBC1EE165F337C4E2A114C119713D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_8DA81B259FF6031B1CF1A114C1195E43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_28AEBC1EE165F337C4E2A114C119713D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_28AEBC1EE165F337C4E2A114C119713D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightAxis_8DA81B259FF6031B1CF1A114C1195E43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_28AEBC1EE165F337C4E2A114C119713D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_WarrantsMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_WarrantsMember_21A2D10C0B97A74FE9AEA114C1195757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightDomain_28AEBC1EE165F337C4E2A114C119713D" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_WarrantsMember_21A2D10C0B97A74FE9AEA114C1195757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_86216B5D454ECC28DAE4A114C1195471" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_86216B5D454ECC28DAE4A114C1195471" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7D3E7ADC3DB2B0F7AFBEA114C1191E36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_86216B5D454ECC28DAE4A114C1195471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7D3E7ADC3DB2B0F7AFBEA114C1191E36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7D3E7ADC3DB2B0F7AFBEA114C1191E36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis_86216B5D454ECC28DAE4A114C1195471" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7D3E7ADC3DB2B0F7AFBEA114C1191E36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_C9D25AB015585EDD1896A114C119A995" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeDomain_7D3E7ADC3DB2B0F7AFBEA114C1191E36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember_C9D25AB015585EDD1896A114C119A995" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EFC5996D86EC09C541F8A114C119754A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EFC5996D86EC09C541F8A114C119754A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3AB10E9F875C22A1F5A8A114C1190662_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EFC5996D86EC09C541F8A114C119754A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3AB10E9F875C22A1F5A8A114C1190662_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3AB10E9F875C22A1F5A8A114C1190662" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EFC5996D86EC09C541F8A114C119754A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3AB10E9F875C22A1F5A8A114C1190662" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_3EB935C9A423D4E744DDA114C119FBC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_3AB10E9F875C22A1F5A8A114C1190662" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_3EB935C9A423D4E744DDA114C119FBC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74F184806A87941C65C4A114C119D21B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74F184806A87941C65C4A114C119D21B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A623D9D54D4224EFEB5CA114C11969D1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74F184806A87941C65C4A114C119D21B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A623D9D54D4224EFEB5CA114C11969D1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A623D9D54D4224EFEB5CA114C11969D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis_74F184806A87941C65C4A114C119D21B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A623D9D54D4224EFEB5CA114C11969D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_5A9758456BDA6F832689A114C11991AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_A623D9D54D4224EFEB5CA114C11969D1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockMember_5A9758456BDA6F832689A114C11991AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_875EA27A056DD7E5EE35A114C119CD04" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventTable_BABAEAF6018B9BFEC818A114C1173B74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_875EA27A056DD7E5EE35A114C119CD04" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_875EA27A056DD7E5EE35A114C119CD04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_875EA27A056DD7E5EE35A114C119CD04" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_3AE5BF2E8FEF983C45EDA114C11A1341" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SeriesBPreferredStockMember_3AE5BF2E8FEF983C45EDA114C11A1341" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_SeriesB1PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_SeriesB1PreferredStockMember_C150102D005E4F38F8B4A114C11A9AA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_833B205939976294DB7CA114C11AFBCC" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_SeriesB1PreferredStockMember_C150102D005E4F38F8B4A114C11A9AA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares_B88E735A1858034EA5EEA114C11A8B54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockDividendsShares_B88E735A1858034EA5EEA114C11A8B54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted_A392B3B699B9C355A25BA114C11A211B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ConversionofStockSharesIssuedIfConverted_A392B3B699B9C355A25BA114C11A211B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_DebtInstrumentCovenantChangeinControlThresholdOwnershipbyLargestStockholder" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentCovenantChangeinControlThresholdOwnershipbyLargestStockholder_50142FABFA4820032D1FA114C11ABB18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_DebtInstrumentCovenantChangeinControlThresholdOwnershipbyLargestStockholder_50142FABFA4820032D1FA114C11ABB18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_0604A3054B43408A7E56A114C11A3928" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfDebt_0604A3054B43408A7E56A114C11A3928" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold_EFC3E1C01CB4C5CCCD49A114C11AA37A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsSold_EFC3E1C01CB4C5CCCD49A114C11AA37A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit_1F38BA9538899EB6F95DA114C11A8105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofSharesPerUnit_1F38BA9538899EB6F95DA114C11A8105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7AF038EE66CC1B81F774A114C11A362E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_7AF038EE66CC1B81F774A114C11A362E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_AEEE6A766F00A288B649A114C11A1757" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByEachWarrantOrRight_AEEE6A766F00A288B649A114C11A1757" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_669F9679A05AC961192CA114C11A4ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_669F9679A05AC961192CA114C11A4ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit_386859076FC962D470F4A114C11AF331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofWarrantsperUnit_386859076FC962D470F4A114C11AF331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit_4FF7B3EE4F0758D43204A114C11A1827" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPriceperUnit_4FF7B3EE4F0758D43204A114C11A1827" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage_7E8E5F7B94CA24349CFEA114C11A68A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPremiumOverClosingStockPricePercentage_7E8E5F7B94CA24349CFEA114C11A68A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharePrice" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_A268A55CE31A20BA4475A114C11A3F57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SharePrice_A268A55CE31A20BA4475A114C11A3F57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_AC6239E59198D5110E61A114C11A2D31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_AC6239E59198D5110E61A114C11A2D31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice_3A99A31CE7B333F937D8A114C11AFD86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ClassofWarrantorRightExercisePriceofWarrantsorRightsAmountperShareAboveClosingPrice_3A99A31CE7B333F937D8A114C11AFD86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross_F145C11EE0441C1B6B37A114C11AB31A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_ProceedsfromIssuanceofPrivatePlacementGross_F145C11EE0441C1B6B37A114C11AB31A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPercentageofProceedsUsedtoRepurchaseStock" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPercentageofProceedsUsedtoRepurchaseStock_FDA440DA28ADFC007469A114C11B4F1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementPercentageofProceedsUsedtoRepurchaseStock_FDA440DA28ADFC007469A114C11B4F1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_DEBEEF575A0325F035F1A114C11BC96A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfPreferredStockAndPreferenceStock_DEBEEF575A0325F035F1A114C11BC96A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_B5F3C6B3E07C1D3A8506A114C11B95F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockRepurchasedAndRetiredDuringPeriodShares_B5F3C6B3E07C1D3A8506A114C11B95F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_5562E8155A63E7FF0F25A114C11B2362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPrivatePlacement_5562E8155A63E7FF0F25A114C11B2362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds_49A13AEBB6769F1EFEDAA114C11BE26B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_PrivatePlacementCommissionsPercentageofGrossProceeds_49A13AEBB6769F1EFEDAA114C11BE26B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions_449753BCFCEFC2A77A01A114C11BAD52" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForCommissions_449753BCFCEFC2A77A01A114C11BAD52" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividual" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividual_E130C20422B3C07DE7AEA114C11BE5D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividual_E130C20422B3C07DE7AEA114C11BE5D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="vtnr-20160331.xsd#vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividualValue" xlink:label="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividualValue_B26EDDAD84ABC4D0CD32A114C11B0562" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_vtnr_UnitPurchaseAgreementNumberofUnitsAgreedtobePurchasedbyIndividualValue_B26EDDAD84ABC4D0CD32A114C11B0562" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_763EBC1E3BE752D1D2A4A114C11B0446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_763EBC1E3BE752D1D2A4A114C11B0446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_2057585D1479381B1894A114C11BAC95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SubsequentEventLineItems_129739A91470D69CA0EDA114C11A09BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_2057585D1479381B1894A114C11BAC95" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimates" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.vertexenergy.com/role/SummaryOfCriticalAccountingPoliciesAndEstimatesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>


