Management of used oil and associated waste streams involves regulated activities. The following procedures are required to comply with environmental regulations, including classification, storage, labeling, recycling, disposal, spill response, and reporting.
n Used Oil includes the following:
n Oil from general equipment and building maintenance (in most states), including machine oil, lubricants, hydraulic oil, and non-PCB electrical insulating oil.
n Solid waste material saturated with or containing oil, including absorbents, paper towels, cloth rags, or containers.
n Oil drained from solid waste materials.
n Hazardous Waste is the proper classification of used oil in states with stricter requirements such as California, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
n Non-Hazardous Waste is the proper classification of dry solid waste materials from which used oil has been completely drained/removed.
n Note: Other waste streams with distinct management procedures not covered in this document include the following:
n Oil that is mixed with hazardous wastes such as solvents;
n Used chiller oil;
n Activities related to fleet support operations;
n Used electrical insulating oil from transformers/electrical equipment that contains PCBs; and
n Used oil filters.
Store used oil in closed containers that are in good condition with tight-fitting lids and labels. Containers must have secondary containment and be indoors or under a storm-resistant shelter. Do not mix other products or wastes with used oil. State-specific wording is required on all used oil containers.
Arrange for off-site recycling of Used Oil using the “Safety Kleen Systems” eBuy+ catalog and maintain records of all shipments. Completely dry solid waste materials are considered Non-Hazardous Waste and may be disposed of in the trash. Do not dispose of any used oil in the trash or down a sanitary or sewer drain.
Immediately report spills to the site’s USPS Environmental Specialist and Safety Specialist. Clean up any used oil spill or leak, remove the spent absorbent, and address the source of the spill. Collaborate with the USPS® Environmental Specialist to make the appropriate environmental agency notifications and to complete and submit PS Form 8187, Hazardous and Regulated Substance Release Notification.
For more information, review the Used Oil Environmental Compliance Bulletin/Standard Work Instruction at: blue.usps.gov/sustainability/environmental/_pdf/waste/ecb-usedoil.pdf or contact your USPS Environmental Specialist at: blue.usps.gov/sustainability/regional-environmental-compliance-all.htm.
— Environmental Affairs and
Corporate Sustainability, 11-12-26
