ECAR Fact Sheet for New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) 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 DES's used oil filter guidance document under Other Relevant Resources.

Regulations

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services encourages the recycling of properly drained oil filters. Since used oil is a listed hazardous waste in New Hampshire, the hazardous waste rules provide an exemption for oil filters not to be considered a hazardous waste, if the used oil filters meet the following criteria:

• The filters are non-terne plated. Terne is an alloy of tin and lead and these filters are more typically found on heavy duty vehicles.
• The filters have not been mixed with any hazardous wastes.
• The filters have been drained using one of the following methods:
  • Puncturing the filter anti-drain back valve or the filter dome end and hot draining;
  • Hot draining and crushing;
  • Dismantling and hot-draining;
  • Any other equivalent hot draining method that will remove used oil.

Used oil filters often contain a significant amount of used oil. In order to be exempt from regulation under the state's hazardous waste rules, the filters need to be hot drained for a minimum of 12 hours. Once drained, the filters should be collected for recycling.

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.

Disposal. Although the drained filters may be disposed as a solid waste, DES strongly encourages the recycling of oil filters. As there are different recycling techniques, it is recommended that you contact your recycler to determine which draining technique is preferred. For example, some recyclers do not want to receive crushed filters if they are going to separate the metal from the filtration media. To obtain a list of companies who collect used oil filters or to obtain information on the collection of used oil, contact the DES Waste Management Division.

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 DES at 603-271-3899, or, if after hours, call the N.H. State Police Hazardous Material Response at 800-346-4009 (in-state), or 603-271-3636 (out-of-state).

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

New Hampshire 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.
• 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.

Contacts

1. For more information, contact the New Hampshire DES Waste Management Division at
   603-271-2900.
2. To report a spill or leak during business hours, call the DES at 603-271-3899. If after hours or the weekend, call the New Hampshire State Police Hazardous Material Response at 800-346-4009 (in-state), or 603-271-3636 (out-of-state).
3. To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest regional office or link to the DES Public Information Center.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. New Hampshire - Used Oil Filter Guidance
    

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