ECAR Fact Sheet for Maine
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

Safe handling of gasoline to prevent explosion and fire is paramount. So is proper handling to protect against spills. Gasoline (and its many constituents) move very quickly through groundwater and can contaminate drinking water wells and natural resources. We must do what we can to prevent accidents and spills. Proper container storage with appropriate labeling to promote safe handling and minimize the likelihood of a spill is necessary. As wise Benjamin Franklin is quoted, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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.  Waste fuel 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.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (ME DEP) Small Business Assistance Program has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage waste fuel. Much of the information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the guidance for waste fuel under "Other Relevant Resources."

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 (properly grounded and closed on an impermeable surface) 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.
5. Notify the ME DEP 24-hour hotline at 800-452-4664. To report an oil spill, call the 24-hour hotline at 800-482-0777. For more detailed spill response procedures, access the ME DEP's Emergency and Spill Response website.

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.

Maine's Hazardous Waste Management 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.

1. Is waste gasoline properly stored and labeled? Waste gasoline must be labeled as "Hazardous Waste," and stored in properly grounded containers on an impermeable surface with spill containment. Containers must be non-leaking and the storage must conform to both hazardous waste requirements and local fire codes. Make sure gasoline is stored away from ignition sources such as stoves and welding equipment.
2. Are you transporting waste gasoline in accordance with applicable requirements? Make sure you contract with a Maine-licensed hazardous waste contractor for transportation and disposal of waste gasoline.
3. Are you following the requirements for hazardous waste management?
   Make sure you review Maine's Handbook for Hazardous Waste Generators to ensure you are in compliance.

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 "Hazardous 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

1. For more information, contact the ME DEP, Office of Remediation and Waste Management at 207-287-2651.

2. To report a spill or leak of hazardous waste, call the ME DEP 24-hour hotline at 800-452-4664. To report an oil spill, call the 24-hour hotline at 800-482-0777. For more detailed spill response procedures, access the ME DEP's Emergency and Spill Response website.

3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Hazardous Waste

Other Relevant Resources

1. Maine - List of Active Hazardous Waste Transporters
2. Maine - Waste Fuel Guidance

3. Maine's Handbook for Hazardous Waste Generators

4. Maine's Motor Vehicle Recycling Website

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