Disposal of Used Oil and Fuel Absorbent Products

What does "dispose of properly" mean?

Giving clear cut guidance on disposal of oil and fuel soaked materials is not easy. Disposal guidelines vary widely from one local jurisdiction to another, making a correct method in one area possibly illegal in another.

Improper storage and disposal of saturated absorbent materials can result in safety and environmental hazards including combustion risk and soil contamination. Legal penalties and fines can be imposed on individuals found to be disposing of hazardous materials improperly.

In an ideal world every marina would have a separate metal container or bin, with a tight fitting lid, to collect oil and fuel saturated materials. This bin would be labeled “For Oil/Fuel Absorbent Materials Only” and would be emptied on a regular basis. A disposal firm would be on contract to come at regular intervals to collect the materials and remove them for safe off-site disposal. Unfortunately this practice is more the exception than the norm.

What is the conscientious boater to do?

• Look for a separate metal bin labeled for absorbent disposal.
• Ask the fueling staff how and where they would like you to dispose of saturated absorbent materials. Do not just throw them in the garbage or leave them next to the pump.
• If they do not have a program that handles used absorbents separately, encourage them to consider adopting one.
• Find out about your local disposal regulations. Contact your local waste management department.
• Find out about disposal options in your area visit www.earth911.org for more information.

• Store any saturated pad or rags in a metal container with a tight fitting lid.
• Check with your local gas station or auto repair shop to see if they will accept your used pads and rags.
• Ask your local waste disposal department about hazardous waste pickup days in your community.
• Find out about your local disposal regulations. Contact your local waste management department.
• Find out about disposal options in your area visit www.earth911.org for more information.