ECAR Fact Sheet for Iowa
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

In the past, the majority of used oil filters were disposed of in landfills. Today, millions of filters are being recycled. Oil filters are usually made from paper, metal and rubber. Used oil filters have value because they can be burned for fuel and the metal components can be recycled.

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

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;
• Hot-draining and crushing;
• Dismantling and hot-draining; or
• Any other equivalent hot-draining method which will remove used oil.

To hot-drain a filter, remove the filter from the engine when the engine is hot. Then keep the filter above 60º F while it drains for 12 hours. You can send oil filters that have been hot-drained to a sanitary landfill for disposal. Collect the oil that drains from the filter and manage it properly as used oil. Used oil filters that are not drained by the above methods must be managed as hazardous waste. Fuel filters also are considered hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly.

Disposal.  If the above methods have been performed, used oil filters can be disposed of according to town and county requirements. The drained filters should be placed in covered dumpsters or containers that prevent rain infiltration. In addition, the dumpsters or containers should be capable of holding any residual used oil that may escape from the filter. Crushed filters may also be accepted by local scrap dealers for recycling.

Transporters shipping undrained oil filters must have a state transporter’s license and an EPA identification number.

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 DNR’s 24-hour hotline at 515-281-8694.

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

Iowa Waste Oil Management Requirements

Federal Standards for the Management of Used Oil

Technical Standards And Corrective Action Requirements For Owners And Operators Of Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 280

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.

• When removing the oil filter, use a drip pan under the vehicle to catch oil spills. When draining filters, carefully collect the oil to avoid spills.
• To prevent spills, put filters on a tray or in a container before moving them.
• Some shops use oil filter-draining containers on wheels for clean, easy transporting.
• Empty the mobile containers into the used oil storage container routinely to avoid an overflow.
• 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 Region 7 Environmental Protection Agency at 913-551-7020, or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at 515-281-8941.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the Iowa hotline at 515-281-8694 as soon as possible but not later than 6 hours after the onset or discovery of the spill or leak.  If the release involves EPA-regulated material and the amount released is above EPA reportable quantities, it must also be reported to the National Response Center at 800-424-8802 within 15 minutes.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the Iowa DNR.

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Automotive Products Disposal Directory
2. Iowa – Oil Filter Recyclers
   

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