ADEQ'S Sampling Program for Testing Used Oil

ADEQ conducts a used oil sampling program for the testing of used oil. One of the primary reasons for this testing program is related to air quality. The emissions that result from the burning of on-specification used oil are cleaner than those that result from the burning of off-specification used oil and, more importantly, are considered environmentally safe and pose no public health threat.

In light of this, the emphasis of the sampling program is placed on the producers/suppliers and burners of used oil. This ensures that used oil processors/marketers are supplying the used oil burner market with only on-specification used oil (refer to used oil specifications), and that used oil burners are burning only on-specification used oil.

• For a discussion of on-spec and off-spec used oil, refer to Used Oil Specifications.
• For a discussion of processors, marketer and burners, refer to Who Handles Used Oil?

Used oil generators are not sampled because the emphasis of the sampling program is on the on-specification used oil producers and users. Furthermore, generators of used oil containing hazardous waste are regulated under ADEQ's Hazardous Waste Program. On occasion, however, ADEQ's Solid Waste Program will sample transporters to monitor the quality of used oil being collected from used oil generators.

• For a discussion of on-spec and off-spec used oil, refer to Used Oil Specifications.
• For a discussion of generators, processors, marketer, transporters and burners, refer to Who Handles Used Oil?

Requirements for Tanks Storing Used Oil

All regulated handlers of used oil are subject to the following minimum requirements for the tanks in which they store used oil:

• Tanks must be designed for, or capable of, storing used oil safely.
• Tanks must be in good condition (no severe rusting, apparent structural defects or deterioration).
• Tanks must not be leaking (no visible leaks).
• Tanks (and fill pipes to underground tanks) must be labeled with the words Used Oil.
• Upon detection of a release of used oil to the environment, the tank owner/operator must stop the release, contain the released used oil, clean up and properly manage the released used oil and other materials used for the cleanup, and repair or replace the defective tank/tank component(s).
  • To determine if you are a regulated handler of used oil, refer to Who Handles Used Oil?
  • For information on how to properly manage the released used oil, see Petroleum Contaminated Soils.

In addition to the above requirements, the following requirements also apply:

• Used oil marketers and burners are required to label all tanks that store on-specification used oil with the words On-Specification Used Oil.
• Used oil transporters, processors, marketers, and off-specification used oil burners are required to have secondary containment with the capacity to contain 110 percent of the volume of the largest tank in the containment area. However, secondary containment is not required for on-specification used oil burner tanks, it is recommended.
  • For an explanation of marketers, burners, transporter, and processors, see Who Handles Used Oil?
  • For a discussion of on-spec and off-spec used oil, refer to Used Oil Specifications.

Marketer's Certification

A marketer who sells used oil to a used oil burner is required to provide the burner with a certification attesting that the used oil is he is selling is on-specification used oil (refer to used oil specifications). A used oil burner who, in good faith, relies on a marketer's certification that the used oil he is burning is on-specification used oil, is not criminally liable for burning off-specification used oil supplied by that marketer.

• For a discussion of on-spec and off-spec used oil, refer to Used Oil Specifications.

Periodic Reporting Requirements for Used Oil Handlers

Used oil transporters, processors, marketers, and burners are required to submit periodic written reports to ADEQ about their used oil activities. All information about client names and related identifying data, which is required to be submitted to ADEQ, is classified as confidential. Forms for reporting your used oil activities are available from ADEQ, or you may develop your own report form, so long as all the required information is included in your report.

Used oil transporters, processors, and marketers are required to submit quarterly reports for each calendar quarter. These reports are due 30 days following the end of the calendar quarter to which the reports apply.

Used oil burners are required to submit annual reports for each year. These reports are due on February 1 following the end of the calendar year to which the reports apply.

You may also receive a report form for your used oil activities, contact the Used Oil Program Coordinator.

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