Disposal of Vehicle Fluids

Changing vehicle fluids includes oil, transmission, hydraulic, brake and antifreeze changes and lubricating greases. Changing vehicle fluids also includes the storage of new and waste fluids, management or disposal of waste fluids and disposal of oil-contaminated debris such as oil filters, empty oil cans/containers, oily rags and clean-up supplies (dry-rite, kitty-litter, floor sweepings).

Fluids generally are drained from the vehicle to a pan or bucket placed below the vehicle. Full pans or buckets are then dumped into a larger container such as a 55-gallon drum, underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank prior to off-site disposal.

The primary environmental impact from fluid changes is potential surface and groundwater contamination resulting from spills or improper disposal of fluids and solid debris. Storage of new materials may be regulated under the Spill Prevention and Countermeasure Controls provisions of the Clean Water Act. SPCC requirements generally include providing secondary containment for all storage tanks and drums.

Storage, recycling and disposal of waste fluids are regulated under the used oil provisions of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The used oil provisions require that used oil is stored in structurally sound containers labeled with the words used oil only and ultimately recycled or burned for heat.

Fluids disposed or spilled in floor drains, surface drains, or otherwise released from facility property are regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Effluent System, pretreatment or storm water provisions of the CWA. These provisions require notification of EPA, the state or a local treatment plant, complying with permit provisions and prevention of untreated fluids from reaching surface waters. Fluids stored in underground tanks are regulated under the UST provisions of RCRA which require the tanks maintain spill prevention and leak detection devices and be made of specified structurally sound materials.

For more information, visit EPA's Vehicle Fluids Web site.