Energy independence through economic justification is one of the primary goals in today's global economy. In the 21st century, proper use of used oil for energy generation should not be overlooked. Combustion of used oil provides three benefits: it conserves energy, prevents pollution and minimizes used oil-management costs. The use of small used-oil generators can achieve these benefits without breaking environmental laws and regulations.

Introduction

Used oil from cars, lawnmowers, and many other machines must be discarded properly to keep it from contaminating the environment. Used oil can be recycled to generate energy and small business owners/generators can economically benefit from re-using the oil as a method of "source reduction" to eliminate or reduce the creation of pollution through increased energy efficiency [1].

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; www.epa.gov) defines used oil as: "any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used, and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities." At times, used oil may be classified as hazardous waste if it is mixed with hazardous materials such as chlorinated solvents. Efforts should be made to avoid mixing used oil with any other materials, because if used oil is mixed with other impurities, including hazardous waste, it may have to be managed as a hazardous waste. As many are aware, this can be a lengthy, costly and strict regulatory process [2].

However, so-called "clean" used oil does provide for more options. An EPA publication entitled Managing Used Oil: Advice for Small Businesses reports that recycling used oil by burning it for energy recovery "is good for the environment," provided that it is done responsibly and in accordance with regulatory requirements. The primary federal rules that apply to used oil (Note: more stringent local/state requirement may apply) are: 40 CFR Part 279: Used Oil Management Standards; 40 CFR Part 261: Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste; and 40 CFR Part 761-Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions.

Used oil burned for energy recovery, and any fuel produced from used oil by processing, blending, or other treatment, is not subject to the regulations under Part 279 unless it is shown to exceed any of the allowable levels of the constituents and properties in the specification shown in Table 1.

Used oil from cars, lawnmowers, and many other machines must be discarded properly to keep it from contaminating the environment. Used oil can be recycled to generate energy and small business owners/generators can economically benefit from re-using the oil as a method of "source reduction" to eliminate or reduce the creation of pollution through increased energy efficiency [1].

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA; www.epa.gov) defines used oil as: "any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used, and as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities." At times, used oil may be classified as hazardous waste if it is mixed with hazardous materials such as chlorinated solvents. Efforts should be made to avoid mixing used oil with any other materials, because if used oil is mixed with other impurities, including hazardous waste, it may have to be managed as a hazardous waste. As many are aware, this can be a lengthy, costly and strict regulatory process [2].

However, so-called "clean" used oil does provide for more options. An EPA publication entitled Managing Used Oil: Advice for Small Businesses reports that recycling used oil by burning it for energy recovery "is good for the environment," provided that it is done responsibly and in accordance with regulatory requirements. The primary federal rules that apply to used oil (Note: more stringent local/state requirement may apply) are: 40 CFR Part 279: Used Oil Management Standards; 40 CFR Part 261: Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste; and 40 CFR Part 761-Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Manufacturing, Processing, Distribution in Commerce, and Use Prohibitions.

Used oil burned for energy recovery, and any fuel produced from used oil by processing, blending, or other treatment, is not subject to the regulations under Part 279 unless it is shown to exceed any of the allowable levels of the constituents and properties in the specification shown in Table 1.

Air permitting for space heaters

Currently, EPA does not require maintenance managers to determine whether used oil in their shop's space heaters is hazardous or nonhazardous, provided that the following three conditions are met: (1) The space heater only burns used oils generated by his fleet and/or received directly from "household do-it-yourself used oil generators;" (2) The unit is designed not to generate more than 500,000 Btu/h; and (3) The unit is vented to the outside of the building [3].

In many locations, generators are merely required to provide the state or local agency the following information to obtain a used-oil burner permit: name, model number, quantity of burners, rated heat input (Btu/h), firing rate maximum (gallons/h), heat content of fuel (Btu/lb), percent sulfur (% by weight) and annual fuel consumption (gallons).

Conclusion

Pollution Prevention (P2) is using materials, processes, or practices to reduce or eliminate pollution or waste at the source. Properly managing used oil will achieve source reduction as well as reduce costs, prevent pollution and conserve energy. Small business owners can benefit by combusting used oil for comfort heating without violating environmental laws and regulations. However, it is good business practice to consult with the respected Ombudsmen for the Clean Air Act in their area and with their appropriate local/state agencies before embarking on used-oil burning for energy recovery. IH