ECAR Fact Sheet for Nebraska
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.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has prepared a guidance document to help auto recyclers manage used oil filters. Much of the information is included in the fact sheet below. You can access the NDEQ's used oil filter guidance under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

Used oil filters are exempt from regulation under Nebraska's hazardous waste regulations with the exception of terne-plated oil filters. Terne-plated oil filters commonly fail the toxicity characteristic test for lead.

In order for exemption to apply, generators must drain oil filters using one of the following hot-draining methods:

• Puncture the filter's anti-drain back valve or the filter dome end and hot drain.
• Hot-drain and crush. (Hot-draining means the oil is drained near engine operating temperature and above room temperature.)
• Dismantle and hot-drain.
• Any other equivalent hot-draining method which removes 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. Please note that fuel filters that are empty and manufactured from metal are eligible for the scrap metal exclusion and might not be a hazardous waste.

Disposal. Once the used oil is properly removed from the filter, recycle the scrap metal and recycle the oil. Contact the NDEQ to obtain a list of used oil filter recyclers. If a recycler cannot be found for the used oil filters, crushed oil filters or properly drained oil filters may be disposed in a permitted solid waste landfill.

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 NDEQ spill hotline at 402-471-2186, or 402-471-4545 (weeknights, weekends and holidays).

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

Nebraska Used Oil Management Requirements

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.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) Waste Management Program at 402-471-2186.
2. To report a spill or leak, call the NDEQ spill hotline at 402-471-2186, or 402-471-4545 (weeknight, weekends and holidays).
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest NDEQ Regional Office.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Nebraska Used Oil and Oil Filter Management
2. Nebraska Used Oil Collection Guidance
3. Nebraska's Hazardous Waste Service Providers Directory
    

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