USED OIL Q&A

Q&a USED OIL

By George Kayser

SWUPHD Environmental Health Scientist

About 1.35 billion gallons of used oil are generated in the United States annually. Used oil includes used engine oil, hydraulic oil, and transmission fluid used in millions of cars and machines in Utah alone. With use over time, oil loses some of its original properties, which is why it needs to be replaced. Used oil is actually far from useless and can be re-refined, recycled, and reused in many ways. Although used oil is not managed as a ‘hazardous waste’ under the Utah Administrative Code, it can have harmful effects on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 50% of Americans change their own oil on their vehicles, but only about 35% of that oil is recycled correctly, leaving around 2 million gallons of used oil improperly disposed of. Since 1993, it has been unlawful in Utah to dump used oil in landfills, rivers, lakes, sewers, and storm drains or to use oil as a weed or dust suppressant. Unlawfully and improperly disposing of used oil in any way poses dangers to the environment and is difficult and costly to clean up. Our precious water supply could easily be contaminated by used oil. Putting used oil down the drain causes a massive strain on water treatment facilities and sewer systems, costing significant amounts of time and money to fix. Just one gallon of used oil can potentially contaminate 1 million gallons of freshwater, rendering it unsafe to drink. One way to ensure that used oil is correctly handled and recycled is through Used Oil Collection Centers (UOCCs), which follow Utah rules and laws regarding safe procedures for dealing with used oil. A UOCC can accept up to 5 gallons of used oil from a single person, and some UOCCs accept used oil filters as well. Many local auto parts dealers

and repair shops are approved collection centers. To find one near you, call the Utah Department of Environmental Quality at (800) 458-0145, or go online to swuhealth.org/oil for a list of UOCCs by county. All the UOCCs accept non-contaminated and non-hazardous used oil free of charge. It is important to know if used oil has been contaminated with hazardous substances such as antifreeze, refrigerants, or halogens so it can be treated appropriately, which is usually by chemical treatment or incineration. It may not always be evident that used oil is contaminated, although discoloration or separated layers are likely indicators that the oil contains other material. Both the person dropping off the oil and the oil collection center must determine and disclose the presence of contaminated oil. Residents can dispose of contaminated oil during Hazardous Waste Days which are usually hosted twice a year at Washington County Landfill. Visit wcsw.org/household-hazardous-waste for more information. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department conducts bi-annual inspections of UOCCs. The inspector looks for any spills, ensures proper records are being kept, and that an approved used oil transporter is being used, among other items on the inspection checklist. The inspector can also advise collection centers on regulations, best practices, and contamination issues regarding used oil. The disposal of used oil is a significant environmental concern which do-it-yourself oil changers can help with by taking their used oil to a nearby UOCC instead of dumping it in the trash, on the ground, or in the water supply. Proper disposal makes a difference in preserving our beautiful Southwest Utah environment.