ECAR Fact Sheet for Kentucky
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

If used oil filters are taken to landfills without being properly processed, they can pose a potential threat to water supplies, health and natural resources. One problem that exists is in determining how much oil remains in a "drained" filter. This stems from the construction of some filters with a "check valve". The purpose of this valve is to ensure that oil remains in the filter so engines, when started, will have an uninterrupted supply of oil. Filters of this type are capable of holding significant amounts of oil even after they have been removed from the engine block. In addition, oil filters without these "check valves" typically contain measurable quantities of used motor oil even after they are drained.

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 (except those from heavy duty trucks) are exempt from state and federal hazardous waste requirements, including testing, if they are recycled. Generators of heavy duty filters need to determine whether or not these are hazardous waste. Processed used oil filters may only be disposed of at a landfill after they have been determined to be nonhazardous.

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.

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 also are considered hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly.

Disposal.  You have two options when disposing of used oil filters:

1. Recycling is the preferred alternative to disposal. Used oil filters are not required to be regulated as a hazardous waste if they are recycled. No permit will be required for either the collection or transportation of these filters if they are destined for recycling. The used motor oil collected during processing (crushing and draining) of the used oil filters is not required to be regulated as a hazardous waste if it is managed and transferred to a recycling facility.
2. Used oil filters may be disposed of in contained landfills if each of these conditions are met:

• The landfill agrees to accept used oil filters from the generator.
• The residual used oil and filter passes toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) testing. The exception would be if the generator is a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (i.e., someone who generates less than 100 kg or 220 pounds per month).
• The used oil has been removed from the filter by crushing, splitting, or other mechanical process to remove free liquid oils. (The filters should be allowed to drain until all free oil is removed.)
• The processed filters pass the paint filter test.

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 KYDEP’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-928-2380 or 502-564-2380.

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

Kentucky Used Oil Regulations (Chapter 44)

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 Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection, Division of Waste Management, at 502-564-6716 or contact the nearest regional office.
2. To report a spill or leak, call 1-800-928-2380 or 502-564-2380.
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Kentucky – Salvage Yard Guidance Document
2. Kentucky – Auto Repair Shop Guidance Document
    

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