Don’t Miss Utah’s Waste Oil Incentives Programs
Are You Eligible for Utah’s Waste Oil Incentives?
Utah counts itself among a handful of states that go above and beyond to help residents properly dispose of waste oil. Its incentives programs help individuals and businesses make smart choices when it comes to used motor oil management. Instead of dumping or burning off used oil in a burn barrel, the state is helping residents become better stewards of the environment.
Utah’s Used Oil Laws
The Used Oil Management Act covers resident responsibility for managing waste oil. Under current laws:
- No resident may dispose of waste oil in a solid waste treatment facility, a landfill, or a septic tank, or directly into the environment. Those caught knowingly and negligently disposing of waste oil in an unauthorized manner may face penalties.
- Every used oil collection center must hold a state granted registration number.
- The state will collect 4 cents per quart or 16 cents per gallon at the time of sale from oil vendors operating within the state.
- The proceeds from the oil tax go to administrative costs as well as an incentive payments and grants provided to registered oil collection centers.
- Anyone who knowingly violates state laws regarding used oil requirements may face a fine of up to $10,000 per day. In some cases, individuals may also face criminal charges.
Per state and federal regulations, no one can dispose of waste oil in landfills or in the surrounding environment. Businesses and individuals must take steps to ensure that they are properly disposing of their waste oil. Even a small amount of used oil released into the environment can contaminate drinking and ground water.
Applying for the Used Oil Grant in Utah
Businesses interested in participating as a collection center may also qualify for state grant funding. Utah awards grants to help establish and maintain used oil centers and programs in urban and rural environments. To become a registered used oil collection center, a company must fill out a registration form and send it to the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. After receiving a registration number, enterprises may qualify for grant funding. Interested businesses must contact the division to receive a Used Oil Recycling Block Grant Package to apply.
Alternatives to State Used Oil Programs in Utah
Some businesses do not want the liability and costs of maintaining a used oil collection center. If a business produces a significant amount of waste oil each year, an alternative to recycling may prove more economical. A high-efficiency waste oil heating system burns waste oil for energy recovery. These systems burn off hazardous waste, require simple maintenance, and can save money on energy costs every year. Today, businesses can find solutions that fit EPA and state requirements for environmentally friendly disposal.
Those who burn waste oil for energy recovery must follow state standards for handling, storing, and burning the oil. Private individuals, businesses, and collection centers may burn waste oil as long as they do so in accordance with state law.
Every business must weigh the costs and benefits of conventional recycling activities versus energy recovery activities. During the cold winters in Utah, a waste oil heating and cooling system may provide a better comfort level and more cost savings than typical state recycling programs.
Sources:
http://www.deq.utah.gov/ProgramsServices/programs/waste/usedoil/basics/background.htm
http://www.deq.utah.gov/ProgramsServices/programs/waste/usedoil/docs/2011/07Jul/uoccapplication.pdf
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