Waste Oils Best Practices 

Even when not required by environmental regulations, the following best practices are recommended. In some instances, best practices presented here are required by regulations.

To minimize the likelihood of discharge of pollutants to storm water from outdoor loading and unloading of material, adhere to the following best practices:

1. Avoid transferring materials close to storm drain inlets.
2. Transfer liquids only in paved areas. Portland cement paving should be used if the liquid is asphalt reactive.
3. Provide contractors and haulers with copies of pertinent best management practices (BMPs). Require contractor/hauler adherence to BMP specifications. Verify proper waste disposal practices of contractors.
4. Protect all loading/unloading activities from rainfall, run-on and wind dispersal to the maximum extent practicable. Viable options include conducting loading/unloading under existing cover, or moving indoors.
5. Maintain adequate supplies of spill response equipment and materials in accessible locations near areas where spills may be likely to occur.
6. Clean up minor spills immediately.
7. Conduct regular inspections of storage and containment equipment and promptly correct deficiencies to this equipment as necessary.

Storing material outdoors, whether it is equipment, chemicals or containers, can result in potential storm water contamination. Follow these best practices to minimize potential impacts to storm water runoff:

1. Avoid dispensing from drums positioned horizontally in cradles. Dispensing materials from upright drums equipped with hand pumps is preferred. Always use drip pans and self-closing spigots if dispensing from horizontally positioned drums.
2. Store drums and containers on pallets or other structures to keep the container out of contact with storm water.
3. Store all materials in their original containers or containers approved for that use. Ensure that all containers are appropriately sealed. Store empty containers indoors or under cover before moving them off-site.
4. Properly label all chemical containers with information, including their contents, hazards, spill response and first aid procedures, manufacturer's name and address, and storage requirements. Maintain copies of MSDS on file for any materials stored and/or handled.
5. Reduce the quantities of chemicals stored outside to the minimum volume required based on variables such as release potential, usage, storage capacity, and chemical shelf life.
6. Maintain adequate supplies of spill response equipment and materials in accessible locations near areas where spills may be likely to occur.
7. Post signs at all chemical storage locations in clearly visible locations noting the materials stored, emergency contacts, and spill cleanup procedures.
8. Perform and document periodic inspections in a logbook. Inspection items should include the following: external corrosion, structural failure, spills and overfills due to operator error, failure of piping system (pipes, pumps, flanges, couplings, hoses, and valves), visually inspect new tanks or containers for loose fittings, poor welds, and improper or poorly fitted gaskets, and inspect tank foundations and storage area coatings.

Best practices related to waste handling and disposal include the following suggested activities:

1. Perform regular housekeeping activities in waste storage areas.
2. Reuse or recycle materials whenever possible.
3. Inspect waste management areas for spills and waste management containers for leaks.
4. Track waste generated, evaluate the process generating the waste and look for ways to reduce waste generation.
5. Characterize waste streams.
6. Find substitutes for harmful chemicals; properly dispose of unusable chemical inventory.
7. Segregate and separate wastes.
8. Do not dispose of liquid wastes such as oils or hazardous materials into dumpsters.
9. Maintain adequate supplies of spill response equipment and materials in accessible locations near areas where spills may be likely to occur.
10. Equip waste transport vehicles with spill containment equipment.
11. Perform and document in a logbook periodic inspections of hazardous and non-hazardous waste storage areas. Inspection items should include the following: external corrosion, structural failure, spills and overfills due to operator error, failure of piping system (pipes, pumps, flanges, couplings, hoses, and valves), visually inspect new tanks or containers for loose fittings, poor welds, and improper or poorly fitted gaskets, and inspect tank foundations and storage area coatings.

Training employees on proper procedures to reduce your facility's impact on the environment is a best practice. More detailed training information is provided in the regulatory requirements sections of the tour. Employee training may include the following:

1. Spill response training for personnel who handle hazardous material,
2. Fork lift training,
3. Storm water pollution prevention education,
4. Right-to-know awareness training,
5. Hazardous materials management,
6. Emergency preparedness, and
7. Awareness-level training, for example, a general overview of the school's environmental management system.

When performing general vehicle repair/maintenance work, implement the following to the maximum extent practical:

1. Drain and crush oil filters (and oil containers) before recycling or disposal. Store crushed oil filters and empty lubricant containers in a leak-proof container--covered if outdoors.
2. Drain and properly dispose of all fluids and remove batteries from vehicles and equipment.
3. Recycle or properly dispose of the following: greases, oils, antifreeze, brake fluid, cleaning solutions, hydraulic fluid, batteries, transmission fluid, and filters.
4. Use biodegradable products and substitute materials with less hazardous properties where feasible.
5. Maintain clean equipment by eliminating excessive amounts of external oil and grease buildup. Use water-based cleaning agents or non-chlorinated solvents to clean equipment.
6. Store mechanical parts and equipment that may yield even small amounts of contaminants (i.e., oil or grease) under cover and away from drains.
7. Develop regular maintenance and inspection programs for oil/water separators (if they exist).
8. Sweep or vacuum the shop floor frequently.
9. Designate specific areas indoors for parts cleaning.
10. Clean up any spill promptly.
11. Keep rags, mops, absorbents, and other cleanup supplies readily accessible to all work areas.
12. Never sweep or flush wastes into a sanitary sewer or storm drain.
13. Promptly transfer drained fluids to a designated waste storage area.
14. Place bulk fluids, waste fluids, and batteries in secondary containment to capture accidental spills.
15. Service "pits" should have concrete floors and not earthen floors or floors with drains.
16. Service bays within the facility should be segregated by operation (brakes, radiator, oil changing, etc.) to avoid cross-contamination.

To minimize the amount of waste generated at your facility, consider the following:

1. Recycle automotive fluids, solvents, cleaners, absorbents, and wash waters; when the useful life is finished.
2. Use self-contained sinks and tanks when cleaning with solvents.
3. Automotive fluids are not acceptable for disposal to the sanitary sewer, storm drain, or garbage.