A “√” next to a response in the guide indicates that is the preferred response in terms of environmental compliance. If you select a response without a “√”, you may still be in compliance; however, you should verify that you are in compliance by contacting the appropriate federal or state regulatory agency and discussing your activity with them.

USED FILTERS

Used oil filters are exempt from federal hazardous waste requirements as long as the filters:

• Are not terne-plated. Terne is an alloy of tin and lead. The lead in the terneplating makes the filters hazardous.
• Have been properly drained (i.e., hot-drained) of used oil.

According to federal regulations, a facility can dispose of filters as solid waste (in some states) provided that the filter has been hot-drainedto remove residual used oil. This means that no matter what draining option is used, one should remove the filter from a warm engine and drain it immediately. Four distinct methods of hot-draining can be used:

• Gravity Draining: When the filter is removed from the engine, it should be placed with its gasket side down in a drain pan. If the filter has an anti-drain valve, the “dome end” of the filter should be punctured with a screwdriver (or similar device) so that oil can flow freely. Then allow the filter to drain for 12 to 14 hours.
• Crushing: Crush the filter by using a mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic device to squeeze out the used oil/fuel and compact the remaining filter materials.
• Disassembly: Separate the filter into its different parts using a mechanical device. This allows most of the used oil/fuel to drain from the filter, and the metal, rubber, and paper parts of the filter to be recycled separately.
• Air Pressure: Place the filter into a device where air pressure forces the used oil/fuel out of the filter.

Used oil filters storage containers must be protected from wet weather by a cover, either indoors in the shop, or if outdoors, in a shed or lean-to. In addition, make sure the container can hold any used oil that seeps from the filters.Used fuel filters can be drained using the same procedure as used oil filters, then tested to determine if they are hazardous. If the fuel filters are hazardous, they must count toward the facility’s generator status. Store used fuel filters in a separate, marked, fireproof container. If the facility is a CESQG, dispose of used fuel filters in a licensed landfill or give them to a hazardous waste hauler. If the facility is an SQG or LQG, then it must use a hazardous waste hauler with an approved EPA ID number.

Note: Disposal requirements for used filters may vary by state, contact you state hazardous waste agency to assure proper disposal. For more information regarding state filter management regulations, referrals to state agencies, and companies that provide filter management services, refer to the Used Filter Hotline at (800) 993-4583. This hotline is sponsored by the Filter Manufacturers Council.

Does the facility completely drain used oil filters and/or used fuel filters before disposal?

Yes–Facility completely drains filters (i.e., no visible signs of free-flowing oil remain) prior to disposal.  √

No–Facility does not completely drain filters prior to disposal.

N/A–Facility does not generate used oil or fuel filters.

How does the facility manage/dispose of used oil filters? 

Recycle–Filters are recycled for scrap metal.  √

Service–Facility contracts with a service which takes filters.  √

Trash–Filters are disposed of in the dumpster (e.g., not segregated from other waste such as paper, plastics, food, etc.).

Other–Method of disposal is not listed above. Note: The facility may be out of compliance.

N/A–Facility does not generate used oil filters.

Does the facility inspect used oil filter storage areas for oil spills and leaks?

The automotive repair shop should regularly inspect all areas where oils are received, stored and changed. Use one of the following indicators to identify oil spills: (1) sheen on water, (2) stained soil, (3) lack of vegetation, or (4) visible leaks on the floor. If the shop stores enough oil on-site, there should be a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasures (SPCC) plan available in the event of a spill or leak. The SPCC plan contains detailed information on spill cleanup and remediation. All spills should be contained and cleaned up immediately after detection. Many shops keep absorbent materials close to oil storage and handling locations, in case of an accidental spill. 

Yes–Facility inspects storage areas for oil spills.  √

No–Facility does not inspect storage areas for oil spills.

N/A–Facility does not have storage areas for used oil and filters.

Has the facility determined if its used fuel filters are hazardous?

Yes–Facility has determined through testing or process knowledge if the used fuel filters are hazardous.  √

No–Facility has not determined if its used fuel filters are hazardous.

N/A–Facility does not generate used fuel filters.

How does the facility manage/dispose of used fuel filters? 

Recycle–Used fuel filters are recycled.  √

Service–Facility contracts with a service which takes used fuel filters as they are.  √

Managed as hazardous waste–Facility manages used fuel filters as hazardous waste.  √

Trash–Filters discards filters in the dumpster (e.g., not segregated from other waste such as paper, plastics, food, etc.).

Other–Method of disposal is not listed above. Note: The facility may be out of compliance. Contact the state regulatory agency for assistance.

N/A–Facility does not generate used fuel filters.