Used Oil

USED OIL DISPOSAL

What is used oil?
Disposal Options
Collection Tips
Spills or Releases

Used oil is generally not considered a hazardous waste, per the EPA if it is not contaminated with hazardous chemicals.  However, due to the cost of checking to see if used vacuum pump oil is contaminated with volatiles from regular use in various Chemistry laboratories, SUNY Geneseo does consider it hazardous waste unless proved otherwise.  Used oil, per se, is not picked up and disposed of as part of the hazardous waste pickups, with the following exceptions :

  1. Vacuum pump oil from laboratories will be collected as part of hazardous waste pickups, due to the possibility of contamination with other chemicals.Containers must be labeled "WASTE OIL [DESCRIPTION]."
  2. Container information must be submitted to EHS through the Hazardous Waste Tags and through the Online Submission Form.
  3. Many cutting oils may not meet the definition of used oil.
  4. Contact EHS at ext. 5663 before disposing of cutting oils in order to determine whether they should be treated as used oil or hazardous waste.
  5. PCB contaminated oil must be treated as hazardous waste. Contact EHS if there is any suspicion of PCB contamination.
  6. Oil mixed into any other hazardous wastes will be treated as hazardous waste.

Any used oil that meets the criteria listed above, please use the Mixed Chemical Waste Form.

Used Oil Disposal Options

For used oil that does not meet the exception criteria listed above,

Small amounts of waste oil (less than 2 gallons) may be taken to EHS for recycling.  Please call ext. 5663 for more information.

Used Oil Collection Tips

  1. Minimize the amount of water in the oil.
  2. Label containers "USED OIL", not "waste oil" or "hazardous waste".
  3. Keep all collection vessels sealed except when filling the container.

Spills or Releases of Oil

Oil spills should be cleaned up immediately. Absorbent materials (vermiculite) may be available through your department.  See your department Safety Representative for more information.   See Chemical Spill Reporting Procedures for general instructions for departmental spill response.

Releases to the environmental (including releases to the sewer, soil, or impervious outdoor surfaces) must be reported immediately to EHS at ext. 5663 and to University Police, at ext. 5222.