ECAR Fact Sheet for Indiana
Used Oil Filters

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR

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

When a used oil filter is removed from a vehicle, approximately one pint of oil may remain trapped in the filter. The used oil and sludge that remain in the filter may contain contaminants such as heavy metals that are picked up as the oil circulates through the engine. High concentrations of heavy metals may cause used filters to demonstrate hazardous waste characteristics, making the filters subject to hazardous waste regulations if the filters are not properly drained.

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. However, recycling is the better choice.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage used oil filters. Much of that information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the link to IDEM's Compliance Manual for Auto Salvage Facilities under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

In Indiana, there are several management options for handling used oil filters. The regulations a facility must follow depend on whether the used filters are properly drained and what is subsequently done with them (e.g., recycle, burn, discard.)

Hot Draining Filters. Properly hot drained filters are exempt from Indiana's hazardous waste regulations and may be disposed as solid waste. The term "hot drain" means to immediately drain the filter after it is removed from a vehicle that is at or near the engine's operating temperature, while employing some additional means to facilitate draining such as puncturing, crushing, or dismantling.

If you choose to hot drain used oil filters, you must:

• puncture the filter anti-drain back valve or the filter dome end and hot drain the filters; or
• perform any other equivalent hot draining method that will remove the used oil so that the filters contain no free liquids. Equivalent methods include crushing or dismantling the filters.
• properly manage the oil drained from the filters

If you do not hot drain filters, you must determine if the filters demonstrate hazardous waste characteristics. Filters that demonstrate hazardous waste characteristics are considered to be a hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly.

Undrained filters may be managed under Indiana's Used Oil Rule if the filters are recycled or burned for energy recovery.

Undrained filters that are discarded are subject to all applicable solid and hazardous waste rules. Note that even if a facility's used oil filters are not considered to be a hazardous waste, they still cannot be sent to a landfill because of the restrictions on wastes containing free liquids (liquids that will readily pour). Instead, the filters must be managed under IDEM's solid waste rules and sent to a facility that is capable of handling liquid waste or that can solidify the waste prior to disposal.

Large filters, such as those used in heavy-duty vehicles, may be terne-plated. Terne is an alloy of tin and lead, and is used to strengthen the shells of larger oil filters. Terne-plated filters do not share the exemption from the hazardous waste rules when disposed that is provided for properly hot-drained non-terne plated filters. Terne-plated filters are exempt from hazardous waste rules only if they are

recycled as a scrap metal. If they are disposed of, they are subject to a hazardous waste determination and, if found hazardous, must be managed in accordance with all applicable hazardous waste requirements.

Spill Control. If an oil spill occurs as a result of draining or handling used oil filters, you must perform the following cleanup steps:

1. Stop the release;
2. Contain the released used oil;
3. Clean up and properly manage the released used oil and other materials; and
4. If necessary, repair or replace any leaking used oil storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.
5. Notify IDEM at 1-888-233-7745.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to used oil filter management.

Indiana Used Oil Management Regulations (Article 13)

Indiana Hazardous Waste Regulations

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 used oil filter management procedures.

1. Has the used oil been properly removed? If proper drainage procedures were followed, used oil filters can be disposed of or recycled.

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.

• Crushing used oil filters is the most effective way to remove any remaining oil. Crushing also allows more filters into each drum, and since many service companies charge by the drum (rather the weight of the drum or number of filters in the drum), you can reduce the transportation and/or disposal costs associated with used oil filters.
• You may either purchase equipment to crush the filters, or send the filters to a service company to have them crushed and then sent to a recycler.
• 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 marked "Used oil Filters," until recycled or disposed of.
• Recycle drained and crushed filters with an oil filter recycler.
• Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.
• Used oil filters from a CFC refrigerant recovery system are to be treated as hazardous waste because they contain oil contaminated with the halogen, chlorine. Therefore, they must be kept separate from other used oil filters for disposal.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) at 800-451-6027 or 317-232-8603.
2. Report spills and environmental emergencies immediately to IDEM by telephone at 1-888-233-7745.
3. Submit a pollution complaint online through the IDEM Pollution Complaints Clearinghouse.

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Indiana Used Oil Filter Guidance Document
2. Indiana Auto Salvage Program Website
3. Indiana Auto Salvage Compliance Manual

BACK to VIRTUAL TOUR