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PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
PARTNERS IN PREVENTION
Managing Oily Waste
If you manage an auto service or collision repair shop, you may have some questions concerning the safe disposal of oily waste. One question you might ask is: “AM I FOLLOWING THE CORRECT GUIDELINES FOR THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF THESE WASTES?”
Used oil includes petroleum-based or synthetic-based oils used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids or for similar uses. On the other hand, used oil related wastes include oily rags, used oil filters, wipes, sorbent or any other waste contaminated with used oil, termed (oily waste).
This article provides general information to get you started with understanding used oil management. Refer to the fact sheet referenced below for more details.
Accepting and generating used oil and related wastes
As regulated by the MPCA, you do not need to obtain a hazardous waste license from the MPCA to generate used oil or accept used oil from other sources. You can accept used oil and related wastes from another business so long as you provide the business with a receipt. The MPCA also recommends that you maintain records from whom you accept used oil and related wastes.
Storage of used oil and related wastes
There is no limit on the amount of used oil and related wastes you can accumulate on your site. However, storing them appropriately should be a priority. The following describes the proper storage procedures: • Oily waste must be accumulated only in leak-proof containers or tanks and must be able to fully contain their contents, even if the container is overturned. The container should be always closed except when used oil or related wastes are being added or removed. • You may puncture or crush used oil filters on site provided the used oil is recovered. Similarly, you may also recycle as scrap metal the crushed used oil filters but must takes steps to ensure no used oil is spilled from the crushed filters at your site or in transit. If any used oil is spilled, it must be cleaned up immediately and all spills of five gallons or more should be reported to the Minnesota Duty Officer at: (651) 649-5451 or (800) 422-0798. • Containers or tanks containing oily wastes should be stored on a concrete surface, or other impervious surface, and clearly labeled. You must meet all the applicable aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) or underground storage tank (USTs) requirements if you intend to store used oil in tanks.
Reusing used oil
You may reuse your used oil at your site or another site if you use it as a lubricant or as a fuel in your diesel vehicle or equipment in reasonable amounts, and store appropriately as described above.
Burning used oil at your site or selling it to another site for burning
With the rise in heating cost, one may consider burning used oil to save some money this winter. To do this without any conditions, you must test first and register as a used oil marketer. Additional guidance on used oil burning can be found in the fact sheet referenced below.
Transporting oily wastes
You may transport your own used oil, used oil filters in amount to another site you own, or to a very small quantity generator (VSQG) collection site if you are a VSQG, or to another business that has agreed to accept your used oil and will test it before burning. You can also ship used oil to any other destination in any amount with a used oil transporter registered with the MPCA.
Managing oily wastes
The easiest and most efficient way to handle used rags is to launder them by using a laundry service to save you money in the long run. You may send your oily rags and sorbents to a commercial laundry without using a used oil transporter. Laundering saves you the costs of buying replacement rags as well as disposal costs. If used rags are not laundered, they are considered solid hazardous waste. However. do not launder them on site if you discharge to a septic system. Keep in mind that oily rags may spontaneously combust during or even after normal laundering. You should always pay close attention.
Do not mix any other wastes, including antifreeze, waste fuels, paints or wastes that are not hazardous, with your used oil as it may be difficult to recycle and may significantly increase your disposal cost.
The MPCA has a fact sheet with more detail about used oil and related wastes at: pca.state.mn.us/sites/
default/files/w-hw4-30.pdf
You can also contact the MPCA Small Business Environmental Assistance Program for confidential assistance on regulatory matters at: (651) 282-6143 or e-mail smallbizhelp.pca@state.mn.us.
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