ECAR Fact Sheet for California
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

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). Used oil filters must be either be managed as hazardous waste or recycled. Disposal of used oil filters in trash cans and at sanitary landfills is prohibited.

Regulations

The state of California does not consider used oil filters to be a hazardous waste if the following management procedures are adhered to:

• The filter has not been mixed with any substance that is considered a hazardous waste;
• The filter has been drained of all free-flowing oil;
• The filter has been properly contained, labeled and stored;
• The filter has been stored without exceeding time limits (see ECAR Used Oil Fact Sheet);
• The filter has been transported to an allowed destination for purposes of metal reclamation;
• The filter has been transported under a bill of lading with a copy kept by the oil collection facility for 3 years;
• All used oil removed from the filters must be managed in accordance with all applicable requirements (see ECAR Used Oil Fact Sheet).

Disposal Restrictions. California law prohibits disposal of used oil filters in a landfill or in any trash destined for a landfill. The only allowed destinations for used oil filters are:

• To a smelter or scrap metal processor where used oil filters are recycled;
• To a municipal solid waste incinerator for energy recovery if the residual casings are transferred to a smelter or scrap metal processor for recycling;
• To a storage or consolidation facility that transfers the filters to any of the above locations; or
• To a licensed hazardous waste facility.

Storage. Used oil filters must be stored in rainproof, non-leaking containers with tightly sealed lids. The containers must be labeled "Used Oil Filters" and include the date of accumulation (the date when the first filter was placed in the container).

Up to one ton of used oil filters may be stored for period of one year, unless the storage facility has a hazardous waste permit authorizing longer storage of used oil filters. Storage of one ton of more of used oil filters is limited to 180 days, unless the storage facility has a hazardous waste permit authorizing longer storage of used oil filters.

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. Report the spill to 800-852-7550.

If you store used oil filters outdoors, the storage area must be addressed in your Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan (see ECAR Fact Sheet Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan).

Used Oil Filter Transport. When you send used oil filters off-site, they must be transported by a state certified transporter. Check with your DTSC regional office for a current list of approved transporters.

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

California Code of Regulations Pertaining to Used Oil, Section 66262.34 and 66269.21

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 storage areas and management procedures.

1. Are used oil filters transported to a recovery facility by a certified transporter? Check your records and verify that all shipments of used oil filters were removed from your property by a state certified transporter. You can check on your transporter’s certification by contacting DTSC.

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.

• Used oil filters should be punctured and drained for 24 hours. "Hot draining" improves the drainage process.
• Used oil filters can be recycled through a state registered used oil filter processor.
• Before shipping used oil filters off-site, consider crushing drained filters to reduce transportation costs.
• Put oil drained from filters into your "Used Oil" container.
• Maintain storage containers in good condition, indoors, protected from weather or sealed/closed, on an oil-impermeable surface.
• Before contracting a transporter for your used oil filters, ask them questions about their service to reduce your liability.
• Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.

Contacts

1. California Department of Toxic Substances Control: 916-323-2678.
2. Public and Business Liaison Hotline: 800-728-6942.
3. Office of Emergency Services Warning Center: 800-852-7550.

1. Used Oil.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Partners in the Solution Guidance Manual (Developed by the State of California Auto Demantlers Assn)
2. Department of Toxic Substances Control Fact Sheet on Used Oil and Oil Filter Management
   

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