ECAR Fact Sheet for California
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 used fluid management.

California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.5, Division 20, Article 13 (commencing with section 25250)

California Code of Regulations, Title 22, division 4.5, including chapter 29 (used oil) (commencing with section 66279.1) and section 66266.130 (used oil filters)

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).

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. Contact the DTSC Public and Business Liaisons at 800-728-6942, or go to http://www.dtsc.ca.gov. Follow the “Toxic Questions?” and “Contact a Live Person!” links to the page listing each of the Duty Officers’ email addresses.
2. For specific locations of authorized used oil collection centers in your area call the Cal/EPA Recycling Hotline at 1-(800) CLEAN-UP or 1-(800) 253-2687.
3. To report illegal disposal or management of used oil or used oil filters, contact your local Certified Unified Program Agency or the DTSC Waste-Alert Hotline at (800) 698-6942 or 911 (only if you see a crime in progress, such as disposal to a storm drain).
4. To report large spills and releases to the environment, contact your local emergency response offices (usually 911) as well as the Office of Emergency Services Warning Center: 800-852-7550.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil

Other Relevant Resources

1. California - Used Oil and Oil Filter Management Fact Sheet
2. California – Used Oil Recycling Program Information
3. California – Hazardous Waste Generator Requirements
4. Partners in the Solution Guidance Manual (State of CA Auto Dismantlers Assn.)

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