Used Oil Management

Used oil should never be dumped or sprayed on the ground or poured down the drain!

Arkansas adopted the federal used oil management standards promulgated on September 10, 1992, as a part of the state's hazardous waste management program codified in DEQ Regulation No. 23 (Hazardous Waste Management) in June 1994 with an effective date (for the used oil regulations) of July 1, 1994. These regulations govern the handling, storage, recycling, processing, and disposal of all used oils in the State after the effective date of the regulations.

Arkansas's adoption and implementation of the used oil management standards are equivalent to the requirements of the federal program with the exception of three more stringent requirements:

  1. Arkansas requires that used oil transporters, processors and re-refiners, burners, and marketers submit the state's Subtitle C Site ID Form in order to notify DEQ of their used oil management activities and to obtain an EPA identification number. The state does not allow notification by a simple letter, as provided for in the federal rules. A handler who attempts to notify by letter will be mailed a blank Site ID Form and instructions, with instructions to complete and return the appropriate form.
  2. In order to better identify the used oil universe subject to compliance monitoring, Arkansas requires that used oil handlers subject to notification requirements but who have already obtained an EPA identification number must submit an updated notification form for their used oil activities.
  3. Arkansas has established more stringent requirements wherein used oil may be disposed by using it as a dust suppressant. State rules require that a clear demonstration be made on a lot by lot basis that used oil disposed in this manner does not contain any hazardous constituent, and use as a dust suppressant be done in such a manner that no part or component of the oil is allowed to enter any waters of the state as defined in the Arkansas Water and Air Pollution Control Act.

Used oil generators, collection centers, and handlers are required to follow state and federal regulations contained in Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission Regulation 23 §279.

Used oil is defined as "any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities.”

A used oil generator is any person or business:

  • whose activity or process produces used oil; or
  • who first causes used oil to become subject to regulation.

These regulations do not apply to persons who change their own oil at home, or to farmers' shops where less than 25 gallons per month of used oil is produced. These persons are still encouraged to recycle their used oil or dispose of it in an environmentally safe manner, however.

Basic Requirements for Used Oil Generators

Containers or tanks used to store used oil at a generator's site must be in good condition, not leaking, and clearly marked or labeled with the words "used oil."

Generators must ensure that their used oil is transported only by a used oil transporter that has an EPA ID number, and that it is delivered only to a registered used oil processor. The regulations presume that used oil is destined to be recycled. Oil that is NOT recycled is subject to the full requirements of Regulation 23 (Hazardous Waste Management) and Regulation 22 (Solid Waste Management) as appropriate. Materials and media that are mixed with or contaminated with used oil are subject to be regulated as appropriate under the provisions of Regulation 23 §279.10.