There are many pollution prevention opportunities available for automotive repair facilities. If you currently generate a hazardous waste or any other type of waste, pollution prevention can help you reduce or eliminate that waste. Used Oils U.S. EPA estimated that 1.2 billion gallons of used oil were generated by the commercial sector in 1988. Although a large portion was either burned for energy recovery or recycled, millions of gallons were disposed in landfills, applied to roadways, incinerated, or illegally disposed of. The mismanagement of used oil has resulted in significant damage to the environment and costly cleanup.
Used oil includes motor oil, brake and transmission fluid, and hydraulic oil.
Used oil that has not been mixed with a hazardous waste and is recycled is not subject to Ohio's hazardous waste requirements. In a temperate climate such as Ohio, many automotive repair facilities manage their used oil in the winter by burning it in auxiliary heating units known generically as space heaters. This generally means having the oil tested or analyzed. Off-site recycling services are commonly available for auto repair shops that generate used oil. Most used oil recycling services will charge a fee for pick-up and to cover costs associated with recycling.