ECAR Fact Sheet for Minnesota
Waste Fuel

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

Used and waste fuel poses not only a pollution risk to motor vehicle salvage facilities, but also a safety risk to facility employees. Handling, storing and disposing of fuel requires special care to prevent spills, explosions and fires, as well as human health hazards from exposure to skin and inhalation.

Because waste fuel (gasoline or diesel) is flammable, it is classified as a hazardous waste if it is sent for disposal, and you need to manage it according to the hazardous waste rules.  Waste fuel is not considered a hazardous waste if it is recycled or used in facility vehicles.

This fact sheet will outline the rules for you, and will provide some suggestions for how to handle and store waste fuel.

Regulations

Waste Classification. Waste fuel is fuel that has been mixed with water or other wastes, or is too old to be reused.) Under most circumstances, waste fuel is a hazardous waste because it is ignitable. Hazardous wastes must be managed on-site and disposed of by following specific rules. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for more details about handling hazardous wastes.

Follow these steps when managing waste fuel:

• Store waste fuel in closed containers such as drums or aboveground storage tanks. Place containers on a covered and curbed, impermeable surface with spill controls.
• Mark waste fuel-storage containers "Waste Fuel - Hazardous Waste."
• Record the accumulation start date on all waste-fuel storage containers.
• Inspect storage containers weekly; record inspection results.
• Dispose of waste fuel with a licensed hazardous waste hauler.
• Transport and Dispose of Hazardous Waste Correctly (#1.06) on the MPCA
• Follow all hazardous waste transport and disposal requirements when disposing of waste fuel.
• Store diesel fuel separate from gasoline.
• Keep storage containers closed and remove funnels when not in use.

For more information, refer the ECAR Hazardous Waste Fact Sheet.

Storage of Reusable Fuel. Store reusable fuel in a tank on site for use in facility or employee vehicles, or siphon fuel directly from dismantled vehicles into facility vehicles using an airdriven pump. It should be stored in appropriate containers (properly grounded and closed on an impermeable surface) and clearly labeled "Reusable Gasoline" or "Reusable Diesel."

Spill Control. If a spill occurs, you must perform the following cleanup steps:

1. Stop the release;
2. Contain the released waste fuel;
3. Clean up and properly manage the released waste fuel and other materials; and
4. If necessary, repair or replace any leaking waste fuel storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.
5. Notify the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798.

Fuel Filters. Fuel filters should be handled as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly. Some landfills will take used fuel filters if they are punctured and drained for 24 hours. Check with your local landfill for information.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste fuel storage and management.

Minnesota Hazardous Waste Rules

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

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 waste fuel storage areas and management procedures.

1. Is used waste fuel stored in drums, tanks or other containers that are in good condition? Open containers, and rusting or leaking containers cannot be used for waste fuel storage.
2. Are waste fuel storage containers properly labeled? Every waste fuel storage container must be properly labeled according to hazardous waste requirements.
3. Is the area around the waste fuel storage containers free of releases? Releases must be stopped and the released material cleaned up and managed properly.
4. Is waste fuel mixed with used other wastes such as used oil? Verify that there are separate, clearly labeled containers for each type of material, and that waste fuel is not mixed with used oil or other materials without the written consent of your waste hauler.
5. Is waste fuel transported by an approved transporter to an approved disposal facility? Check your records and verify that all shipments of waste fuel were removed from your property by a state certified transporter and taken to a state approved disposal facility. You can check on your transporter's and disposal facility's certification by contacting the MPCA.

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.

• Remove fuel tanks as soon as possible after the vehicle enters the facility and drain.
• Determine if the fuel is reusable or waste fuel.
• Reusable fuel can be used in employee vehicles. Store it in closed leak-proof containers labeled, "Reusable Fuel." Use secondary containment.
• Waste fuel is fuel that can no longer be used because it is old or contaminated with dirt, water or other wastes. Store it in closed leak-proof containers labeled "Waste Fuel."
• Always keep reusable or waste fuel containers closed with funnels removed after use.
• Never mix reusable fuel or waste fuel with other wastes.
• Never store fuel tanks that contain fuel. They should always be fully drained and vented.
• Drain excess fuel from filters into a proper fuel container.
• Accumulate used fuel filters in a separate, fireproof container marked "Used Fuel Filters Only."

Contacts

For more information, contact the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Regional Office closest to you:

1. Northeast Region (Duluth) 218-723-4660.
2. North Central Region (Brainerd) 218-828-2492.
3. Northwest Region (Detroit Lakes) 218-847-1519
4. Southwest Region (Marshall) 507-537-7146.
5. Southeast Region (Rochester) 507-285-7343.

*Report petroleum and fuel spills of five or more gallons, and any other chemical spill (including lead-acid batteries) which may cause pollution, to the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Wastes

Other Relevant Resources

1. Motor Vehicle Salvage Facility Environmental Compliance Manual
2. Managing Recyclable Fuel Wastes

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