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ECAR
Fact Sheet for North Carolina
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. Waste
fuel is not considered a hazardous waste if it is recycled or burned
as a fuel. 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.
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:
- 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.
- Notify the DENR Spill Hotline
by calling 1-800-662-7956.
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.
Fuel Filters. Fuel filters
should be handled as hazardous waste and disposed of accordingly.
Some landfills will take used fuel filters if they are punctured
and drained for 24 hours. Check with your local landfill for information.
Links to the Regulations. Use
the following links to view the regulations pertaining to waste
fuel storage and management.
North
Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Regulations
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. You can check
on your transporter’s and disposal facility’s certification by
contacting the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
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 in employee vehicles. 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.
- Drain
excess fuel from filters into a proper fuel container.
- Accumulate
used fuel filters in a separate, fireproof container marked "Used
Fuel Filters Only."
Contacts
- For additional information, please 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
- Hazardous
Wastes
Other
Relevant Resources
- List
of Solid and Hazardous Waste Vendors
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