ECAR Fact Sheet for Indiana
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

Gasoline includes a mixture of several hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, xylenes as well as performance enhancement additives. Many of these hydrocarbons are known carcinogens. Breathing gasoline vapors can cause convulsion, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Prolonged exposure to vapors has been known to cause kidney, liver, and blood disorders including anemia and leukemia. Gasoline is also a skin and eye irritant.

Diesel fuel is also a mixture of several hydrocarbons which include xylenes, but in smaller concentrations than in gasoline. Diesel fuel consists chiefly of the paraffinic hydrocarbons and naphthenes. Breathing the vapors can cause coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, and loss of consciousness. Repeated or prolonged skin contact can cause dermatitis or aggravate it. The most acute hazard associated with gasoline and diesel fuel is flammability. Gasoline can be ignited by static electricity, which occurs naturally in the atmosphere. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel long distances along the ground. When vapors are ignited, the fire can quickly flash back to the origin of the vapors.

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

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage waste fuel. 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 the state of Indiana, you have several management options for your waste fuel. You can reuse the fuel if it is not contaminated; make a hazardous waste determination and manage it accordingly; send to a re-refiner or fuel blender; or, manage it under the Used Oil Rule.

Waste Classification. Waste fuel is contaminated gasoline or diesel that cannot be used in vehicles. 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.

If fuel is reusable, it should be stored in appropriate containers (properly grounded and closed on an impermeable surface) and clearly labeled "Reusable Gasoline" or "Reusable Diesel." Reusable fuel may be used in facility or employee vehicles.

Mixing. You are permitted to mix gasoline and/or diesel with your used oil if

you follow the Used Oil Rule. However, mixing fuel with your used oil will lower the flash point of your used oil and may require that you follow more stringent Fire and Building Services' and DOT regulations than otherwise required.

Storage of Waste Fuel. If you do not mix fuel with your used oil, store gasoline in an OSHA-approved fire-resistant safety container with a flash screen and a self-closing lid. You must also store the fuel in a fire cabinet or flammable liquid storage area.

Waste fuel must be stored in containers and be in good condition. This means:

• No severe rusting;
• No bulging or major dents; and
• No visible leaks.

Labeling. You must follow specific rules for labeling hazardous waste storage containers. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for labeling instructions.

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 Department Spill Hotline by calling 1-888-233-7745.

Record Keeping. You must follow specific rules for keeping records of hazardous waste accumulated on-site and shipped for disposal. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for record keeping instructions.

Fuel Filters. Used fuel filters may contain residual gasoline or diesel fuel. Make a hazardous waste determination on fuel filters that contain gasoline, or drain or evaporate the residual fuel from the filter and then recycle or dispose the fuel filter.

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

Indiana Used Oil Management Regulations (Article 13)

Indiana Hazardous Waste Regulations

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. Are waste fuel storage containers located on your property and 50 feet from your property boundary? All ignitable waste storage containers must be located on your property and at least 50 feet from your property boundary.
5. 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.
6. 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 Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

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.
• Disassemble the fuel filter prior to recycling to separate the metal/plastic from the filter media. Some recyclers may do this job for you. The metal components can be recycled.
• Accumulate used fuel filters in a separate, fireproof container marked "Used Fuel Filters Only."
• Do not use gasoline to clean yourself or for any other cleaning purposes.

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.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Wastes

Other Relevant Resources

1. Complying with Indiana’s Used Oil Rule
2. Indiana Auto Salvage Program Website
3. Indiana Auto Salvage Compliance Manual

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