If you recently opened an automotive maintenance and repair facility, you need to learn a lot about waste oil disposal. According to laid-down guidelines, any facility dealing with oil must dispose of it according to current regulations. Unfortunately, it is common to come across facilities that dispose of waste oil improperly. For instance, some facilities burn waste oil regardless of whether the oil is contaminated or not. This article highlights some of the most common FAQs concerning waste oil disposal.   

What Is a Small Quantity Generator? -- Different facilities produce varying amounts of waste oil. A facility that generates more than 220 pounds and less than 2200 pounds of waste oil is referred to as a small quantity generator (SQG). Usually, small quantity generators can dispose of waste oil by themselves without requiring the services of a waste oil service company. The facilities do not have to worry about waste oil disposal reporting guidelines. However, an SQG has to maintain manifests of generated and disposed-of waste oil and submit the same upon request by government officials. Additionally, regulations require that any facility classified as an SQG must sign up with the Department of Environment and Energy. Once you have signed up, you are given an ID number that identifies you as an SQG.   

Is Waste Oil Hazardous? -- It is a common question that most facilities fail to understand since they believe that all waste oils are hazardous. However, just because facilities are supposed to follow guidelines on the proper disposal of waste oil doesn't make the oil hazardous. Notably, the department of environment and energy doesn't list waste oil as dangerous. It only becomes dangerous if mixed with hazardous contaminants. You can only tell if waste oil is harmful after conducting tests and confirming the presence of contaminants. Therefore, if your waste oil is clean, you are allowed to dispose of it yourself using the right procedures. However, if it is contaminated and becomes hazardous, you need the services of a waste oil disposal firm.   

How to Store Waste Oil? -- It is only efficient and effective to dispose of large quantities of waste oil; therefore, the oil must be stored before disposal. Waste oil can be stored above ground, below ground, or in containers in the case of small oil generators. Whichever is the case, it is vital to ensure that the tanks and containers are in excellent condition to prevent contamination or leaching. It is advisable to store waste oil in storage containers that are provided by suppliers. The containers are specially designed to store waste oil for up to 12 months.

For more information, contact a waste oil recycling company.

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