A vehicle maintenance facility that doesn't generate waste oil? Impossible! Making waste-oil management simple? Very possible. In many states, waste oil is classified as a state-regulated hazardous waste. Here are just a few important considerations for handling, recycling and disposing of it:

• Recycle waste oil instead of disposing of it. In many states, the volume you recycle doesn't affect your standing as a waste generator-whether large, small or conditionally-exempted.

• Be aware that, if waste oil is classified a hazardous waste in your state, a large-quantity generator status may be applied to your entire campus if you generate waste oil above certain levels.

• Check to see whether mixing used oil with other petroleum products or solvents triggers a different waste classification.

• Storing more than 1,320 gallons in combined total aboveground storage or 42,000 gallons combined total underground storage of used may require you to implement a Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan.

• If state regulations permit, crush used oil filters over a waste oil drum to increase the amount of oil extracted from the filter-and also decrease disposal costs.

• Waste oils containing PCBs must be properly handled according to PCB requirements.

To learn more about these important issues, continue through this activity area.