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Used Oil
There are various types of used oil, including lubricants (crank case oil, gear oil), hydraulic fluid, and insulating fluid (transmission fluid). Altogether, used oil makes up the majority of the special waste generated in the Yukon every year.
The Dangers
In the past, waste oil has created many environmental problems in the Yukon. A litre or two of oil can create a slick on a lake or stream, or contaminate thousands of gallons of drinking water.
In addition, used oil may be contaminated due to the presence of additives or if it is mixed with other oily fluids or liquids. Contaminants such as heavy metals, chlorinated solvents, gasoline, hydro-carbons, and glycols, are all hazardous to human, animal, and environmental health.
Due to these concerns, waste oil is now classified as a special waste under the Special Waste Regulations. As a result, waste oil must be stored and handled carefully to ensure it does not harm the environment.
Special Waste Regulations
Under the Special Waste Regulations, you need a special waste permit if you:
- generate more than 20 litres of used oil per month;
- burn used oil;
- dispose of or store used oil;
- mix used oil with other substances, including water; or
- collect used oil from other generators.
Used oil is prohibited from being spread on the road as a dust suppressant. It must be collected by authorized carriers and taken to permitted facilities for shipping, treatment or recycling.
Storing Used Oil
When storing used oil, use a tank if the volume is greater than 205 litres. Use a container for smaller amounts. For tanks, a permit may be required under the Storage Tank Regulations.
Secondary Containment
If storing large volumes of waste oil, secondary containment can help to prevent leaks and spills from contaminating nearby water supplies, the sewage system, or other areas. Use secondary containment when:
- storing more than 4,000 litres in a tank
- storing more than twenty-four 45 gallon drums in one group, holding a total of less than 5,000 litres.
Tanks should have an approved clay or plastic liner or a curbed concrete pad surrounding the container, and a spill containment device attached to the intake valve.
When containing 45-gallon drums:
- use a drip pan or similar container; or
- use two containers, with one placed inside the other.
Other Requirements
- Maintain records including waste type, volume, origin and storage location.
- Cover containers stored outside to protect them from the weather.
- Label the containers stating the identity of the waste inside (PIN # NA9500, Class 9.3, Packing Group 3).
- Ensure that containers are always closed except when used oil is added or removed.
Waste Oil Filters
Since used oil is a special waste, eliminate as much oil as possible from oil filters before disposing of them. Take the following steps for proper disposal:
- Puncture the top of the filter;
- Set the filter in a tray and allow the oil to drain for approximately 24 hours; and
- Crush the filter to increase waste oil recovery.
Once the oil is drained, the filter can be disposed of in the following ways:
- recycle through a company interested in the filter's metal value;
through a disposal operator; or
at a landfill site.
Spills
A person who possesses or controls a special waste at the time of a spill, or who causes a release, must report the incident. Containment and clean-up action should begin as soon as possible to protect human health and the natural environment.
Spills must be reported immediately to the |