Used Oil

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines used oil as, “any oil that has been refined from crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used, and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.” It can include:

1. Motor oil
2. Hydraulic fluid
3. Electrical insulating oils
4. Transmission fluid
5. Compressor oils

EPA presumes that used oil is to be recycled unless a used oil handler disposes of used oil, or sends used oil for disposal. Generators may transport, without an EPA identification number, used oil that is generated at the generator’s site and used oil collected from household do-it-yourselfers to a used oil collection center.

40 CFR 279.24(a)(1)-(3) – Generators may burn used oil in used oil-fired space heaters provided that:

1. The heater burns only used oil that the owner or operator generates or used oil received from household do-it-yourself used oil generators;
2. The heater is designed to have a maximum capacity of not more than 0.5 million British thermal units (Btu) per hour; and
3. The combustion gases from the heater are vented to the ambient air.

40 CFR 279.22 – Used oil generators must store used oil in aboveground tanks or containers that are in good condition (no severe rusting, apparent structural defects or deterioration); are free of leaks and labeled or marked clearly with the words “Used Oil.”