ECAR Fact Sheet for North Carolina
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

All terne-plated (an alloy of tin and lead) oil filters are considered a hazardous waste because of their lead content. Terne-plated filters are generally used in heavy duty vehicles such as transit buses and on- and off-road trucks. All other oil filters are not regulated as hazardous waste in North Carolina.

You should adhere to the following requirements when handling non terne-plated used oil filters:

• Do not mix with any hazardous wastes.
• Hot-drain the filters using one of the these methods:

1. Puncturing the filter anti-drain back valve or the filter dome end and hot-draining;
2. Hot-draining and crushing;
3. Dismantling and hot-draining; or (iv) Any other equivalent hot-draining method that will remove used oil.

Used oil filters that are not drained by the above methods must be managed as hazardous waste.

Disposal. If the above methods have been performed, used oil filters can be disposed of as nonhazardous solid waste, subject to town and county requirements. However, the most environmentally preferred method of disposal is to recycle these filters. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) encourages the recycling of used oil filters wherever possible.

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 the DENR Spill Hotline by calling 1-800-662-7956.

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

North Carolina Standards for Used Oil Management

Standards for the Management of Used Oil, Code of Federal Regulations, 40 CFR Part 279

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 a 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.
• Consider using reusable filters or by-pass filters.
• Consider offering a drop-off service for DIYers to recycle their used oil filters in addition to their used oil.

Contacts

• For general questions, contact the North Carolina Hazardous Waste Section at 919-508-8400.
• To report a spill or leak, call 1-800-662-7956.
• To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest DENR Regional Office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. North Carolina DENR Fact Sheet on Used Motor Oil Filters

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