Proper waste oil collection strategies are critical for maintaining a clean and safe environment. Individuals and organizations dealing with waste oil should embrace the best waste oil management processes to achieve this objective. In this article, we discuss some of the things you should know about waste and used oil.
Difference between Waste Oil and Used Oil
Even though the terms waste oil and used oil are often used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. The environmental protection agency (EPA) defines waste oil as any oil that has been overly corrupted such that it cannot be used anymore. For example, if oil gets into contact with water, it ceases to be usable. In this case, it is categorized under waste oil.
On the other hand, used oil is any oil refined from crude or synthetic oil-polluted by physical or chemical impurities. This definition does not include vegetable or animal-based oil but focuses on petroleum or synthetic-based oil that has been previously used.
State and Local Laws Regarding Used Oil Collection Procedures
Organizations that deal with the use of oil should comply with the EPA’s laid down procedures and management on waste oil collection. They should also adhere to federal and state waste regulations if their used oil has been polluted with hazardous materials, even though disposing of hazardous waste can be an expensive, lengthy, and highly regulated procedure.
Organizations and individuals should always keep it away from solvents and dangerous chemicals to prevent used oil from getting contaminated by hazardous waste. State and local laws are usually more stringent than the EPA guidelines. As a result, understanding your local laws and regulations is critical when collecting used or waste oil.
How to Comply with Local Regulations
One of the best ways to comply with state and local regulations is by properly labeling your waste or used oil storage containers. Often, businesses incur huge fines due to improper labeling processes. Remember, being compliant is an excellent way of avoiding unnecessary fines.
Maintain proper records and ensure your used oil identification number contains twelve digits. As a transporter specializing in collecting used or waste oil, a valid identification number is part of the EPA requirements. Used oil generators and collection centers should ensure all transporters have a certified EPA ID number.
Keeping Records
Used oil transporters, processors, marketers, and burners should maintain proper records of every used oil consignment cleared for transportation. Used oil consignment records should include:
- The name and address of the generator, transporter, and processor or refiner who released the used oil.
- The used oil quantity
- The EPA identification number of the generator, transporter, or processor who released the used oil
Acknowledgment Date
Used oil companies should store records for at least three years. Keep in mind that as the ISO authorization becomes extensive, your record-keeping plays a critical role for approval. You will not need an EPA tracking number if your waste oil shipment is below 55 gallons. Even then, you will require special consent from state and local governments.
Used oil collection re-refiners, processors, transfer facilities, and burners should have reserve containment systems. The systems are specially designed to secure the oil to ensure it does not leak into the environment in case of a spill. According to the EPA, used generators should use a substitute contaminant system to protect the environment from pollution.
Managing Oil Spills and Leaks
To prevent spills and leaks, ensure that tanks, oil collection equipment, and machinery are in good working condition. Should a leak or spill occur, stop the oil flow from the source or transfer it to an alternative holding tank or container. Clean up any spilled oil thoroughly and ensure the leaking tank or container is repaired before reusing it.
Finally
Organizations specializing in oil should adopt proper used and waste oil handling procedures to save the environment and avoid paying unnecessary fines.
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