ECAR Fact Sheet for Colorado
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). 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 are recyclable because they’re made of steel and may be managed as solid waste provided certain criteria are met.

Draining used oil from your filters can be performed using one of the following methods:

• Puncturing the filter anti-drain back valve or the filter dome end and hot-draining for a minimum of 12 hours;
• Hot-draining and crushing;
• Dismantling and hot-draining; or
• Any other equivalent hot-draining method which will remove used oil.

Also, keep in mind that "hot-drained" means draining the oil filters at temperatures near the operating temperature of the engine, not draining at room temperature. A minimum of 12 hours draining time is required for proper hot-draining. Filters that immediately drip oil when picked up are not considered drained. *Used oil drained from filters can be combined with other used oil.

Used oil filters that are not drained by the above methods must be managed as hazardous waste. Fuel filters, transmission oil filters or specialty filters may be considered hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly.

Disposal.  If the filter is a non-terne-plated filter, it can be recycled or disposed of as solid waste. If the filter is a terne-plated filter (used in some large trucks and heavy equipment), it must be disposed of as hazardous waste or can be recycled as scrap metal.

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. If a release of used oil occurs, at minimum, it must be contained and reported to the CDPHE and the Local Emergency Planning Committee, immediately or within 24-hours. Refer to the Spill Response Fact Sheet to determine your reporting requirements.

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

Colorado Management Standards for Used Oil Generators

Federal EPA Used Oil Management Requirements

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 an 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

1. For more information, contact the Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s technical assistance line at 303-692-3320, or toll-free at 888-569-1831, if outside of the 303 area code.
2. To report a spill or leak, at minimum, call the Colorado 24-hour Emergency Spill/Release Reporting Line at 877-518-5608 and the Local Emergency Planning Committee at 303-273-1622, immediately or within 24-hours. Refer to the Spill Response Fact Sheet to determine your reporting requirements.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.
3. Spill Response Fact Sheet.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Colorado Used Oil Filter Management Checklist
2. Colorado's Automotive Salvage Yard Waste Management Practices
    

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