Used Oil Basics

Used oil has its own set of regulations separate and apart from the hazardous waste regulations.  Congress passed the Used Oil Recycling Act of 1980 as an amendment to Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In that law, Congress required U. S. EPA to determine if used oil should be listed as a hazardous waste and to develop regulations for used oil that is recycled that are not as stringent as the hazardous waste rules.

Under the used oil rules used oil is defined as petroleum based or synthetic oils that are used as lubricants, hydraulic fluid, heat transfer fluid (coolant), cutting fluid, buoyant or for some other similar purpose that become contaminated with physical and chemical impurities during use.  Examples of used oil include:  engine oils; lubricating oils; brake fluids; transmission fluids; insulating oils; metal cutting fluids; industrial process oils, compressor or refrigerant oils. Used oil does not include petroleum derived solvents used for cleaning or vegetable or animal oils and fats.

Used oil that is not managed safely can pose a threat to humans and the environment.  Improperly disposing of used oil can also lead to contamination of drinking water, surface water, ground water and soils.  The used oil regulations describe proper used oil management.  Because used oil is a reusable resource, the regulations also promote used oil recycling.  If your business generates, transports, burns, processes, re-refines or markets used oil, it is important that you understand and comply with the applicable used oil regulations found in Ohio Administrative Code Chapter.

For further information, please refer to the following resources:

• Used Oil Generator Guidance
• Transporter & Transfer Facilities Guidance
• Used Oil Burners - Guidance for Rebuttable Presumption
• Used Oil Processors & Re-Refiners Guidance
• Used Oil Requirements Summary Table 
• Used Oil - Burning in a Space Heater - For Businesses  
• List of Used Oil Processors & Refiners Facilities 
• Registered Used Oil Collection Centers 
• Running a Mobile Oil Changing Business

 Other Resources:

• Ohio EPA Answer Place - Enables users to search frequently asked questions, or submit their own question/comment on a variety of Ohio EPA issues and topics. The frequently asked questions initially will be filtered for those related to this topic. 
   
• Ohio EPA Publications Catalog - Enables users to search for forms, guidance documents, publications, newsletters, checklists etc. on a variety of Ohio EPA issues and topics. The publications initially will be filtered for those related to this topic.

• U.S. EPA's Managing Used Oil: Advice for Small Businesses web site

• U.S. EPA's Guidance and Summary of Information Regarding the RCRA Used Oil Rebuttable Presumption
   

Rules and Laws:  (Pertaining to Used Oil)

• OAC Chapter Rules 3745-279
   

Contacts

   If you have any further questions, or need assistance pertaining to Generator Requirements, please contact Tammy McConnell at (614)644-2922 .