Used Oil

Determining Used Oil Classification

In order to decide whether you have a used oil, you must determine whether anything else is in your oil. Used oil is any oil that has been refined from crude oil, or any synthetic oil, that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical impurities and no longer usable for its intended purpose. If your oil is contaminated with other chemicals or other waste, it may not meet the requirements of used oil and instead may be another type of waste. When managed properly, used oil is recyclable and easily managed by WVU EHS. If contaminated, the resultant waste can cause many non-compliance issues for you and your department. 

Used oil includes the following: 

A. Motor Oil

Accumulation of Used Oil

Used oil must be placed into a sealed container and labeled as described below. Containers must be in good condition and free of excessive rust, dents, or structural deformities. If possible, secondary containment should be utilized to catch any spillage or drips around the collection container. Any spills of used oil, including into secondary containment, must be cleaned up immediately. 

Rags or absorbents containing Used Oil must also be placed into sealed containers and labeled as described below. If your area has rag laundering service, follow the procedures setup when you service was started. Only the provided rags are acceptable for this service. Any other rags or absorbents must be collected separately. 

Do Not Add / Mix With Used Oil

The following Can Not be added to Used Oil: 

Identification and Labeling

Used oil must be labeled as “ Used Oil.” Do Not Label as “Waste” or “Hazardous Waste” as this is a violation of 40 CFR 279.22 (c)(1). If hazardous materials have been added to the used oil, the waste could be classified as hazardous waste and subject to those more extensive regulations.