Used Oil Processors, Re-refiners and Marketers - PUB0154

Used Oil

Used oil is defined as petroleum-derived and synthetic oils which have been spilled into the environment or used for (1) Lubrication/cutting oil; (2) Heat transfer; (3) Hydraulic power; or (4) Insulation in dielectric transformers. The definition of used oil excludes used petroleum-derived or synthetic oils which have been used as solvents. (Note:Used ethylene glycol is not regulated as used oil under 10 CSR 25.) 

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has adopted and amended federal regulations for used oil that provide strong safeguards against potential types of mishandling that may occur. The management standards coverall segments of the used oil recycling system. While generators are the largest segment of this industry, the most stringent standards apply to used oil processors, re-refiners and marketers because they handle the largest quantities of used oil. The standards are designed to encourage recycling while protecting human health and the environment. 

This fact sheet describes the management standards for used oil processors, re-refiners and marketers under 10 CSR 25-11.279, which became effective on Aug. 28, 1994.

Processors and Re-refiners

Used oil processors and re-refiners are facilities that process used oil. Processing is defined as operations to either produce from used oil, or to make the used oil more amenable for the production of fuel oils, lubricants or other used oil derived products. Processing includes blending, filtering, distillation, separation and re-refining. Processing does not include incidental processing conducted by transporters or burners, or filtering or cleaning by a generator for onsite reuse.

Used Oil Marketers

Marketing occurs when a used oil handler sells used oil as a fuel. The used oil may be marketed as an off specification fuel to a used oil burner or blended or processed to produce an on-specification used oil fuel to market to non-industrial boilers and furnaces. Fuel marketing can be undertaken by used oil generators, collection center operators, transporters, processors, re-refiners and used oil burners. 

Management Standards

Processors and re-refiners must meet the following standards: 

• Obtain a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) generator identification number.
• Meet requirements for preparedness and prevention requirements and have a facility contingency plan and emergency procedures. 
• Prepare an analysis plan and a schedule for testing used oil for halogen content and fuel specifications. 
• Keep storage tanks and containers in good condition and labeled “used oil”.
• Keep tanks and containers that are exposed to rain closed, except when adding or removing used oil.
• Process and store used oil in areas with oil-impervious floors.
• Provide secondary containment equal to or greater than 10 percent of the containerized waste volume or the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater.
• Clean up used oil spills or leaks to the environment.
• Track incoming and outgoing used oil shipments.
• Properly manage used oil processing and re-refining residues.
• Maintain certain operating records and report every two years to EPA.
• Ensure the facility is properly closed when operations cease.
• Other requirements are summarized on the Used Oil Processors and Re-Refiners Inspection Record and Checklist. 

Used oil marketers must comply with the following standards:

• Obtain an EPA generator identification number and notify the EPA of their used oil activities.
• Track shipments and deliveries of off-specification and on-specification used oil.
• Ship off-specification used oil only to a used oil burner who has an EPA generator identification number. 
• Before the first shipment of off-specification used oil is sent to a burner, obtain certification that the used oil will be burned in an industrial furnace or boiler. 
• Perform analyses or obtain copies of analyses to document that the used oil to be burned for energy recovery meets the fuel specifications.
• Complete and maintain records of shipments to used oil burners on a Transporter’s Used Oil Shipment Record available from the department.
• Comply with all other standards that apply to the marketer’s used oil activities (transport, collection,generation, etc.). 
• Other requirements are summarized on the Used Oil Marketer’s Inspection Record and Checklist.

Additional Information

Used Oil Contaminated Waste - PUB153
Used Oil Collection Centers and Aggregation Points - PUB136
Used Oil Transporters - PUB132
Used Oil Generators and Burners - PUB134
Used Oil Processors, Re-refiners and Marketers - PUB154
Licensed Hazardous and Infectious Waste Transporter List