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 offsite disposal. Unfortunately this practice is more the exception
than the norm.
What is the conscientious boater to do?
When at the marina fuel dock or gas station:
-
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.
When at home:
-
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.
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