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ECAR Fact Sheet for Michigan
Used Oil Filters
Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources
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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.
What You Need to Know
To dispose of used oil filters, you need to drain out the used oil thoroughly first. The oil can then be handled with the rest of your used oil (see the ECAR Used Oil Fact Sheet). If correct management procedures are followed, used oil filters can be either recycled or disposed of.
The State of Michigan does not consider used oil filters to be a hazardous waste if the filters are non terne-plated and the used oil is removed from the filter by one of the following methods:
- Puncturing the filter and hot draining for at least 12 hours. Hot draining means gravity drain the filter above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, preferably near engine-operating temperature.
- Hot draining for at least 12 hours and then crushing the filter.
- Hot draining and dismantling the filter.
- Any other equivalent hot draining method that will remove used oil.
A facility could make a draining station themselves or purchase a commercially made unit.
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Good things to notice:
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Disposal. Many used oil recyclers accept filters. Talk to the transporter or recycling company about how filters should be prepared and packaged for shipment. See the Oils and Solvents category in the Recycled Materials Market Directory at www.michigan.gov/rmmd or call 800-662-9278 for a list of companies that recycle oil and filters. Or go to the Oil Filters Manufacturing Council at www.filtercouncil.org or call 800-933-4583 about finding recycling services or filter processing equipment vendors.
Recycling is preferred to disposal. Filters must be drained before disposal. Check with the landfill or incinerator operator if they take used oil filters because some do not. You might want to crush the filter to reduce the space it takes in your garbage. Disposal requirements of terne plated filters will depend on facility's hazardous waste generator status. Terne is an alloy of lead and tin. Terne-plated filters are used more commonly with heavy-duty vehicles such as buses and trucks.
Another option is to put the drained filter in a burn-off oven that burns away the oil residue and paper in the filter and cleans the metal for recycling. For more information about permit requirements for the use of a burn-off oven, contact the DEQ Air Quality Division at the nearest district office.
Spill Control. If an oil spill occurs as a result of draining or handling used oil filters, you must perform the following cleanup steps:
- Stop the release;
- Contain the released used oil;
- Clean up and properly manage the released used oil and other materials; and
- If necessary, repair or replace any leaking used oil storage containers prior to returning them to service.
- Notify the DEQ immediately by calling 1-800-292-4706.
Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to used oil filter management.
When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page). Use the following list to audit your used oil filter management procedures.
- Has the used oil been properly removed and are filters recycled or disposed? If proper drainage procedures were followed, it is recommended filters and collected oil be recycled. Check with your local waste hauler and landfill if they accept drained used oil filters before putting in trash.
- Are the used oil filters terne-plated? Recycle these filters to meet a hazardous waste exemption, otherwise handle as hazardous waste.
- If you burn off filters for recycling, do you have an air permit?
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there. The following BMPs are recommended for used oil filter management.
- Crush or puncture the dome or anti-drain valve and hot drain the filter.
- Collect oil from filter crushing and manage it the same way as engine waste oils.
- Store drained and crushed filters in a leak-proof container until recycled or disposed of.
- Recycle drained or crushed filters with your scrap metals.
- Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.
- For more information, contact DEQ's Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.
- For reporting spills/releases and pollution emergencies, contact: 1-800-292-4706.
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
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