ECAR Fact Sheet for New York
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.

Regulations

The State of New York does not consider used oil filters to be a hazardous waste if the used oil is removed from the filter by one of the following methods:

• Puncturing the filter and hot draining for at lest 12 hours at or near engine-operating temperature.
• Hot draining for at least 12 hours at or near engine-operating temperature and then crushing the filter.
• Hot draining at or near engine-operating temperature and dismantling the filter.
• Any other equivalent hot draining method that will remove used oil.

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

Disposal. If one of the above methods has been performed, these 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. DEC encourages the recycling of used oil filters wherever possible. Check with your local scrap metal yard for more recycling information.

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 New York State Spill Hotline within two hours of a spill by calling 1-800-457-7362.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to used oil filter 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 until recycled or disposed of.
• Recycle drained or crushed filters with your scrap metals.
• Maintain disposal/recycling receipts for at least 3 years.

Contacts

1. For general questions, contact DEC Solid and Hazardous Materials Program at 518-402-8651.
2. New York State Spill Hotline: 1-800-457-7362.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

1. Used Oil.
2. Hazardous Waste.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Automobile Recycling home page
2. New Requirements for Vehicle Dismantlers
3. A Quick Look at Your Automobile Recycling Facility
4. Forms for Auto Recyclers
5. Summary of Laws, Rules and Regs Relating to Auto Recyclers
6. Resource Guide for Auto Recyclers 

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