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Used oil, by itself, is not managed as a hazardous waste, even though it may exhibit hazardous waste characteristics. However, if used oil is mixed with any quantity or any combination of a hazardous waste that is listed in R315-261-30 through R315-261-32 of the Utah Administrative Code (a “listed” waste), the mixture is subject to regulation and management as hazardous waste. Also, if used oil is mixed with a “characteristic” hazardous waste and the mixture exhibits the hazardous waste characteristics, the mixture is managed as a hazardous waste.
Standards for the Management of Used Oil (R315-15) assumes that used oil containing more than 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of total halogens has been mixed with chlorinated hazardous waste. Companies may rebut this presumption for oil in the 1000 – 4000 ppm range by providing documentation of the origin of the halogens. Suffice it to say, when used oil comes into contact with a substance which may be hazardous the regulatory provisions become extremely complex. To avoid any possible liabilities, it is strongly recommended that the used oil not be mixed with hazardous substances and it should be stored in a container or tank which is labeled and dedicated solely to used oil. Standards for the Management of Used Oil (R315-15) also provides strong safeguards against potential mishandling by addressing and prohibiting unsafe practices associated with improper storage, road oiling, and weed suppression.
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For more information about the Used Oil Program, please contact Ted Sonnenburg (tsonnenburg@utah.gov), (385) 499-0980.