Used Oil

Are used oil containers and piping leak free, segregated, and labeled "used oil?"

Yes--Used oil is leak free, segregated from other wastes in its own container, and is labeled with the words "used oil."

• Leak free--No leaks are observed.

• Segregated--Containers are properly segregated if wastes are not mixed. For example, used oil is in a separate container from antifreeze, solvent is in its own container, oil spill absorbent is separated from regular trash.

• Labeled--Tanks, drums, or buckets storing used oil for disposal are labeled with the words "used oil." To receive a "yes," the exact words "used oil" are necessary. No special labels are necessary, provided the words "used oil" are visible. Spray painted, crayoned, or hand written labels are ok.

  If the tanks, drums, or pipes are color coded (e.g., oil tanks are green, solvent tanks are red), labeled "waste oil," or something similar that lets you know that the container contains used oil, the facility is on the right track, but the words "used oil" are required by EPA because "used oil" that is destined for recycling has less strict management standards than waste oil, oils that have been mixed with hazardous waste, or oil that is not destined for recycling.

• Used oil piping--Some facilities have pipes that connect the used oil storage tank outside the building to a disposal point inside the building. This way, technicians can pour their oil in a funnel or small bucket which is attached to the piping and the oil goes directly to the tank. If this is the case, the funnel/bucket or piping should be labeled with the words "used oil" to receive a "yes."

No--Leaks are observed, or used oil is not segregated, or either piping or the tank is not properly labeled.

Are hazardous waste fluids mixed with used oil?

Yes--Used solvent, gasoline, or other hazardous substances are mixed with used oil. Though mixing solvents, gasoline is acceptable, the shop is setting itself up for closer scrutiny by the inspector. Too much mixing can cause used oil to become waste oil. If at all possible, keep solvents and gasoline separate from used oil.

No--Only used oil, transmission fluid, or brake fluid are stored in the same container/tank.

Is used oil collected and sent offsite for recycling or burned in an onsite heater?

Recycle--Facility has a regular hauler who takes the oil to a recycling facility.

Onsite heater--Facility burns its used oil in an onsite heater used to heat the facility.

Burned offsite--Facility has a hauler or takes its own oil to a used oil burner.

Does the facility accept household used oil?

Yes--Facility accepts oil from do it yourselfers.

No--Facility does not accept any oil not changed at the shop.

If yes, is it tested for hazardous waste (solvent/gasoline) contamination?

Yes--Facility has the customer sign a form stating that the substance contains only used oil and checks the oil in one of the following ways:

• Visually inspects the oil for signs of antifreeze, solvent, or other substance that does not appear to be oil.

• Uses a "sniffer," a hand held detector that the facility places near the substance and indicates whether total halogens are higher than normal for used oil.

No--Facility does not test the used oil using one of the above methods nor does it ask the do-it-yourselfer to sign a form stating that the substance is only used oil.