A “√” next to a response in the guide indicates that is the preferred response in terms of environmental compliance. If you select a response without a “√”, you may still be in compliance; however, you should verify that you are in compliance by contacting the appropriate federal or state regulatory agency and discussing your activity with them.

ABSORBENTS

Does facility use sawdust or other absorbents for spills or leaks?

Cleaning up spills and releases of chemicals and petroleum products generally involves the use of materials such as kitty litter type substances (known as "quick dry," "speedi dry," or "oil dry"), clay absorbent, pads, pillows, booms, towels, and other such absorbent materials. Sawdust is also sometimes used as an absorbent. A facility must use the proper absorbent for the type of chemical spilled. Once used in a cleanup, dispose of these materials properly.

Yes--Facility uses one or more of the above substances.  √

No--Facility does not use any of the above substances.

Does facility determine if used absorbents are hazardous before disposal?

Absorbents are considered hazardous waste if: (1) they are contaminated with a hazardous material (e.g., solvents or gasoline), or (2) they are characterized as hazardous by the facility. Although used oil is not considered a hazardous waste if it is recycled, it is a hazardous waste if it is disposed of in a landfill and has hazardous characteristics. Thus, anything that absorbs used oil and is thrown in the trash could be a hazardous waste (if it exhibits a hazardous characteristic), even if it is not mixed with a hazardous waste.

Yes--Facility determines if used absorbents are hazardous before disposal.  √

No--Facility does not characterize its absorbents.

N.A.--Facility does not use absorbents.

How does the facility manage absorbents used for oil spills?

Sent to supplier or service company--Facility returns used absorbents to its supplier or pays service company to pick up used absorbents.  √

Burned for energy--Facility burns absorbents used to soak up used oil for energy recovery in a space heater with maximum heating capacity of 0.5 million BTU per hour.  √

Disposed as hazardous waste--Facility places hazardous absorbents in drums hazardous waste labeled as “Hazardous Waste,” and disposes of them through a hazardous waste hauler.  √

Nonhazardous and landfilled--Facility determines that the absorbents are a landfilled nonhazardous solid waste and disposes of them with with regular trash.  √

Other--Method of management is not listed here.

N.A.--Facility does not use absorbents.