Used Oil

EPA defines used oil as any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Simply put, used oil is exactly what its name implies—any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used.

All waste containers must be stored with secondary containment and protected from the weather.  Secondary containment must be kept clear of spills and debris.

 

Used Oil Management

  • Do not add anything but used oil to your Used Oil containers.
  • Label all used oil containers and drums with the words "USED OIL." Container must be securely closed.
  • Use a container with a maximum capacity of 55-gallons or less.
  • Keep your container clean and free from marks or drippings.
  • Place containers away from drains and within a secondary containment device. Secondary containment must contain 110% of the volume of the largest container stored in the device/area.
  • If a container must be stored outside, place the container away from storm sewers, street gutters, waterways, or any drain.
  • Manage spills and releases as described below.

 

Used Oil Filters

Used oil filters, when removed from equipment, can contain up to 20 ounces of oil. All oil filters must be punctured on the dome end and hot drained for 24 hours, or crushed and dismantled. "Hot-drained" means that the filters are drained immediately after being taken off a hot engine. Label the outer container as “Used Oil Filters”.

  • Metal parts from filters that are drained and/or crushed can be recycled as scrap metal.
  • Place punctured or crushed filters in a container labeled as “Used Oil Filters.”

 

Documentation

  • Disposal records must be kept for a minimum of three (3) years from the pickup date. It is recommended that a Used Oil Manager be designated for each accumulation area who will be responsible for the area.

 

Requirements for Used Oil Leaks and Spills

  • Consult UK’s Petroleum Spill Decision & Notification Chart for general guidance.
  • Take steps to prevent leaks and spills. Keep machinery, equipment containers, and tanks in good working condition and be careful when transferring used oil. Have sorbent materials available on site.
  • If a spill or leak occurs, stop the oil from flowing at the source. If a leak from a container or tank can't be stopped, put the oil in another holding container or tank.
  • Contain spilled oil. For example, containment can be accomplished by erecting sorbent berms or by spreading a sorbent over the oil.
  • Clean up the oil and recycle the used oil as you would have before it was spilled. If recycling is not possible, you first must make sure the used oil is not a hazardous waste and dispose of it appropriately. All used cleanup materials, from rags to sorbent booms, that contain free-flowing used oil also must be handled according to the used oil management standards. Remember, all leaked and spilled oil collected during cleanup must be handled as used oil.
  • Remove, repair, or replace the defective tank or container immediately.
  • If your area has a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, follow the notification and spill response steps in that document.