ECAR Fact Sheet for Florida
Transmission Fluid, Power Steering Fluid and Gear Oil

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

You can avoid burdensome hazardous waste regulations on fluids like gear oil, power steering fluid and transmission fluid if:

• you recycle them, and
• you do not contaminate them

They must be disposed of properly.

Regulations

Gear oil, power steering fluid and transmission fluid are not regulated as a hazardous waste if they are recycled. These crude-based petroleum products can be managed like or with your used oil ONLY IF they have not been mixed with or contaminated by hazardous wastes such as solvents, brake cleaner or carburetor cleaner. Do not dispose of crude-based petroleum products in a storm drain, septic tank, dry well, sewer system or dumpster. Refer to the Used Oil Fact Sheet.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to hazardous waste determinations and management.

Standards for the Management of Used Oil, Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 279

Technical Standards And Corrective Action Requirements For Owners And Operators Of Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 280

Florida Statutes and Department Rules Relevant to Used Oil (FL DEP document)

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things they check 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).

For a self-audit checklist for these fluids, follow the steps on the Used oil Fact Sheet.

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 management and recycle of used transmission fluid/gear oil:

• Manage transmission fluids like you manage used oil.
• Do not dispose of transmission fluid in a storm drain, septic tank, dry well, sewer system or dumpster.
• Remove fluid from transmission filters by draining for 24 hours.
• Keep drained filters in a container marked "Used Transmission Filters."
• Do not put undrained filters in the dumpster.

Contacts

1. DEP Hazardous Waste Compliance Assistance Program: 800-741-4337.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil

Other Relevant Resources

1. Management of Used Oil and Used Oil Filters (Florida DEP Fact Sheet)
2. Spill Control and Emergency Response Procedures for Releases of Used Oil (FL DEP document)

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