Waste Fuel

ECAR Fact Sheet for Massachusetts
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 if it is sent for disposal, and you need to manage it according to the hazardous waste rules. It is not considered a hazardous waste if it is recycled. 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. Under most circumstances, waste fuel is a hazardous waste because it is ignitable. Hazardous wastes must be managed and disposed of by following specific rules. See the ECAR Hazardous Waste fact sheet for more details about handling hazardous wastes.

If gasoline is not used by the salvage yard, it must be managed as a hazardous waste because it is ignitable.

If fuel is reusable, it should be stored in appropriate containers and clearly labeled "Reusable Gasoline" or "Reusable Diesel." Reusable fuel may be used as vehicle fuel by the salvage yard.

Storage of Waste Fuel. If gasoline is to be stored at a salvage yard, the facility must comply with Massachusetts Storage Tank Regulations. Improper management of gasoline may be a violation of the Clean Streams Law and the Solid Waste Management Act.

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:

Stop the release;
Contain the released waste fuel;
Clean up and properly manage the released waste fuel and other materials; and
If necessary, repair or replace any leaking waste fuel storage containers or tanks prior to returning them to service.
Contact the DEP’s 24-hour hotline at 617-556-1133 or 888-304-1133.

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.

Massachusetts Hazardous Waste Requirements

Massachusetts Underground Storage Tank Requirements

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.

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.
Are waste fuel storage containers properly labeled? Every waste fuel storage container must be properly labeled according to hazardous waste requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

Remove fuel tanks as soon as possible after the vehicle enters the facility and drain.
Determine if the fuel is reusable or waste fuel.
Reusable fuel can be used as vehicle fuel by the salvage yard. Store it in closed leak-proof containers labeled, "Reusable Fuel." Use secondary containment.
Waste fuel is fuel that can no longer be used because it is old or contaminated with dirt, water or other wastes. Store it in closed leak-proof containers labeled "Waste Fuel."
Always keep reusable or waste fuel containers closed with funnels removed after use.
Never mix reusable fuel or waste fuel with other wastes.
Never store fuel tanks that contain fuel. They should always be fully drained and vented.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection at 617-338-2255 or 800-462-0444, or contact the DEP Regional Service Center near you.
To report a spill or leak, call the 24-Hour DEP Emergency Response hotline at 617-556-1133 or 888-304-1133.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the Environmental Strike Force at 617-556-1000 or 888-VIOLATE (1-888-846-5283).

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

Hazardous Wastes

Other Relevant Resources

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