ECAR Fact Sheet for Texas
Used Oil Filters

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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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

Under Texas law, most automotive recycling facilities fall under the used oil filter handlers’ designation. Used oil filter handlers are used oil filter transporters, storage facilities, and processors of used oil filters. The Texas Health & Safety Code, Chapter 371 Subchapter E (Sections 371.101-105) regarding used oil filters was amended. As of January 1, 2000, used oil filter handlers must register every two years by January 25 of the even-number year using the Registration for Used Oil Handler and/or Used Oil Filter Handlers Form (TCEQ-10062). This form must be submitted with the Core Data Form (TNRCC-10040).

Also, no later than January 25 of every even-numbered year, used oil filter handlers must report to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) the amounts of used oil filters received during the previous two years. A used oil filter handler is also required to provide proof of financial responsibility upon registration.

The new used oil filter rule increases the storage time at storage facilities from 90 days to 120 days and allows generators to store used oil filters in one bulk container greater than 330 gallons. Furthermore, TCEQ can grant two-year variances on storage volume and storage time limits for used oil filters.

Used oil filters, except those from heavy trucks and CFC refrigerant recovery systems are exempted from state and federal hazardous waste requirements. The filters should be drained, shredded, crushed, and/or heated to remove the oil. The removed oil is sent to a recycler who can then recycle the oil. The remaining material must be further recycled (e.g, the metal value retrieved and the paper like components used as fuel).

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

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 TCEQ Spill Hotline by calling 1-800-832-8224.

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

Texas Requirements for Used Oil Recycling

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

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 recycled. If not, they must be managed as hazardous waste.
2. Have you registered with TCEQ? Used oil filter handlers must register every two years by January 25 of the even-number year.

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.

Other Relevant Resources

1. Recycling Used Oil and Used Oil Filters in Texas