Up here we have a hazardous waste disposal sites for such items.
US EPA dealt w/ used oil filters years ago when they decided that used motor oil is NOT hazardous waste.
The rule is drain for 24 hours and throw them out with your residential waste [trash]...
They feel the 24 hours drains enough oil from the filter reducing the threat to a modern landfill.
Shops with a sufficient amount of used filters can benefit from a crusher and metal recycling.
Here is a quote from the metal recycling web site, please note the 'hot drain' is for commercial users, household users need to drain 'all free flowing oil'........
RECYCLING USED OIL FILTERS
AT THE SHOP
Used oil filters are recyclable because they’re made of steel, North A m e r i c a ’s number one recycled
material. They are being recycled today into new steel products, such as cans, cars, appliances and
construction materials. Recycling all the filters sold annually in the United States would result in the
recovery of about 160,000 tons of steel, or enough steel to make 16 new stadiums the size of
A t l a n t a ’s Olympic Stadium.
Federal Guidelines for Used Oil Filters
While most used oil filters were just thrown in the trash a short time ago, today we know they’re
recyclable. Some states have banned used oil filters from the landfill while others have placed
restrictions on how they can be discarded. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA )
requires used oil filters be drained of all free-flowing oil before they are discarded or recycled. Most
states follow federal requirements for used oil filter disposal. Currently, U.S. manufactured oil filters
are exempt from hazardous waste regulation if the oil filter is:
• punctured through the dome end or anti-drain
back valve and hot-drained; or
• hot-drained and crushed; or
• hot-drained and dismantled; or
• hot-drained using an equivalent method
to remove used oil.
What is hot-draining?
Hot-draining is defined as draining the oil filter at or near-engine operating temperature but above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In other words, remove the filter from the engine while it is still warm, then puncture or crush and drain the filter. The EPA
recommends hot-draining for a minimum of 12 hours, although specific state requirements may vary. Most of the
oil is removed from the filter during hot draining.
WARNING: Use caution when hot-draining filters to avoid being burned. Protective equipment such
as safety glasses and gloves should be worn to prevent injury.
Finding Specific State Information
To find out the specific requirements for generators, collectors and processors for your state, call the Used Filter
Recycling Hotline at 1-800-99-FILTER (993-4583). The Used Filter Recycling Hotline is sponsored by the Filter
Manufacturers Council and administered by the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) Environmental
Institute. Callers to the hotline receive an easy-to-read summary of their state’s filter management requirements; a list of
companies in their area that transport, process and recycle used oil filters; and a brochure entitled “How to Choose a Filter
Management Service.”
Steps to Recycling Oil Filters
The three steps to recycling used filters are:
• collection and transportation
• p r o c e s s i n g
• recycling by a steel mill into new steel
If your business changes oil commercially, it is a good idea to voluntarily collect used oil filters from Do-It-Yo u r s e l f e r s
( D I Yers). Businesses currently collecting used oil filters include auto parts stores, quick lubes, and other service outlets. A s
state agencies see businesses voluntarily collecting filters, there will be less need for mandatory regulations. In addition,
accepting used oil filters from DIYers can be used as a tool to market your business. Studies have shown consumers are
more likely to patronize businesses that offer sound environmental management practices. Before collecting used filters,
you should arrange for a special waste collection company to pick them up from your shop. A l t e r n a t i v e l y, if you crush them
with your own on-site equipment, you can take them to a ferrous scrap processor. Once the filters are processed, they are
sent to a steel mill or foundry. Some steel mills produce flat rolled steel products by combining scrap products and hot
metal from iron ore to make products such as steel cans, cars, and appliances, while others use virtually 100 percent scrap
to make products such as rebar and I-beams. For a list of filter management companies that serve your area for used oil
filters, call the Used Filter Recycling Hotline: 1 - 8 0 0 - 9 9 - F I LTER (993-4583).
