ECAR Fact Sheet for Minnesota
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

Used oil filters are a potential source of pollution if engine oil from them is spilled during draining, crushing or storage. This section outlines environmentally safe steps for handling used oil filters.

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.

Regulations

Used oil filters, except those from heavy trucks and CFC refrigerant recovery systems are exempted from state and federal hazardous waste requirements. Used oil filters should be drained of all free-flowing oil by poking holes in the top of

the filter, and draining it with the filter threads facing up. This method bypasses the check valves in the filter, ensuring that most of the oil is removed. Oil filters should be drained for 12 to 24 hours.

If you crush filters, use a crushing area with an impermeable surface. Store drained and crushed used oil filters in a closed, leak-proof storage container or on a curbed, impermeable, concrete surface.

Recycler. Recycle used oil filters that have been drained and crushed. These filters may be transported to a scrap-metal recycling facility. Oil filters should be transported in drums or large storage containers. Properly drained oil filters may be placed inside vehicles that are being transported to a scrap recycling facility, provided there is an agreement with the recycling facility operator to accept drained oil filters in that manner. Oil filters that have not been drained cannot be transported inside vehicles. Contact the recycler in your area for more information.

Transport used oil filters in a way that will ensure that leftover oil is not dumped or ripped on the ground. To prevent oil leakage, transport used oil filters in a closed,

leak-proof container.

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 the State Duty Officer at 651-649-5451 or 1-800-422-0798.

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

Facility Oil Handling Operations and Design Standards

Facility Oil Spill Prevention Plan Standards

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

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.

• 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 a 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

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. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. MPCA Used Oil/Filters/Sorbents Audit Checklist
2. Used Oil Sign (required for retailers/collection sites)

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