ECAR Fact Sheet for California
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

Because waste fuel (gasoline or diesel) is flammable, it is classified as a hazardous waste, and you need to manage it according to the hazardous waste rules.  This fact sheet will outline the rules for you, and will provide some suggestions for how to handle and store waste fuel.

Regulations

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 and clearly labeled "Reusable Gasoline" or "Reusable Diesel." Reusable fuel may be used in facility or employee vehicles.

Storage of Waste Fuel. Waste fuel must be stored in containers meeting DOT specifications performance criteria and must be in good condition. This means:

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

Waste fuel storage containers must be located within your property limits, at least 50 feet from your property boundaries. Do not accumulate waste fuel on-site for longer than 180 days.

Do not mix waste fuel with any other waste streams, without written permission from your waste hauler.

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.

If you store waste fuel 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).

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.

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

California Health and Safety Code

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. Are outdoor waste fuel storage areas addressed in your Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan? Your SPCC must identify potential sources of stormwater pollution and specify appropriate measures to reduce the discharge of pollutants.
6. 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.
7. 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 California Department of Toxic Substances Control.

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.

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.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Wastes

Other Relevant Resources

1. Partners in the Solution Guidance Manual (Developed by the State of California Auto Demantlers Assn)

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