Did you know there have been recent updates made to the regulations that apply to the disposal, storage, transport and recycling of used oil and fuel filters?
This month, we’re sharing the information customers of our fuel delivery service need to comply with hazardous waste disposal guidelines. The topic is important enough that it warranted coverage in two parts. In the last blog posted to our site, we shared information about the updates to the regulations for drained oil and fuel filter recycling. We covered what you must know regarding the handling of the fuel filters as the first step. (If you haven’t read that post yet, please visit it at this link. Be sure to take note of the different procedures for metal and paper or plastic filters, and rules on drainage.)
This time we’ll outline the rules for the storage, containment and transport of used oil and fuel filters. Please be aware that used oil and fuel filters can be classified as hazardous waste materials, and subject to regulations designed to protect people and the environment.
Here’s a brief summary you can use as a checklist to be sure you’re covered.
A Summary for Fuel Delivery Service Customers of the New Rules for Used Oil and Fuel Filters.
1. All used filters must be properly contained, labeled, and stored.
2. All contained filters are subject to time limits for storage.
3. Filters sent for recycling must be sent to the proper facilities.
4. Care must be taken to ensure proper transport of contained filters.
Now, let’s cover each of those rules in greater depth.
Containers.
In order to contain used oil and fuel filters, please note that metal filters must be separated from non-metal filters for recycling and contained separately. Our fuel delivery service customers know that used paper and plastic oil filters are considered hazardous waste and must be treated differently, but it’s worth mentioning again. Used paper and plastic filters, after they’ve been drained and crushed, should be placed in in your “Non-RCRA HAZ LABELED HAZARDOUS WASTE” solids drum. (This is the same drum used for other oily waste, such as rags and spent oil soaked absorbent.)
Be sure that all containers, regardless of filter type, are closed and spill proof. They must also be leak proof and rainproof. Everything must be properly labeled and marked with all materials accumulation and transport dates.
Storage.
The next step is storage of the containers that hold the used filters. Do you have a hazardous waste permit? If not, be aware that you may only store the containers with less than one ton of materials for up to one year. Please note, that’s a general guideline for businesses that have a lesser amount of waste.
How do you know if you have a larger amount of waste? A ton of crushed filters will fill up about six drums. If the filters haven’t been crushed, that amount will fill approximately nine drums. If you have more than a ton of waste, you can only store the used filters for about six months (up to 180 days).
Recycling.
While anyone, including our fuel delivery service customers, can collect and store the used filters, the filters must then be sent to an approved facility for disposal. Why? Because the guidelines were put in place to encourage recycling. For that reason, only send waste to an authorized storage or consolidation facility; a used oil collection center that accepts used oil filters; directly to a smelter or scrap metal processor for recycling; or an authorized hazardous waste facility.
Transport.
You have options for how you choose to transport the used oil and fuel filters, as well. In general, you may go ahead and transport your own waste, so long as it is properly contained so that it can’t leak, and as long as it is labelled properly with all of the contact information — including the name, phone number, and address of the generator (you), the transporter, and the receiving facility — and a bill of lading.
Be sure to keep the bill of lading information for at least three years. All generators, shippers, and receivers must maintain this information for their records to stay in compliance with regulations. While you don’t have to have any kind of hazardous waste permit to ship, you must follow the guidelines. Or, you can make it easier by hiring someone to ship the materials for you.
Please note, the regulations for hazardous waste disposal of materials that could pollute the environment are set at both the state and federal levels. Federal regulations established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provide oil management standards that must be followed, unless your local state laws have tougher requirements. Then, the state laws are those that apply to your business.
You can also contact Department of Toxic Substances Control Regulatory Assistance Officers with questions at 800-728-6942, or through email at RAO@dtsc.ca.gov. You can also find more information at the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) website.
As your fuel delivery service provider in Bakersfield, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clarita or Ventura areas, we’ve covered local California state laws in this blog post. If you have any questions, we’d also be happy to share our expertise with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you!