South Carolina’s Waste Oil Laws You Should Know

By Thomas Brown

Did You Know South Carolina Enforces Comprehensive Used Oil Regulations?

Many automotive centers and shops recognize the environmental benefits of recycling waste oil, but some would continue to pollute the water and ground if it wasn’t against the law. EPA standards outline best practices that businesses should use when handling hazardous waste oil. South Carolina takes the standards one step further with its own mandatory motor oil recycling laws.

Waste Oil Recycling Laws in South Carolina

In South Carolina, residents cannot dispose of waste oil in landfills, sewers, septic tanks, surface water, other water sources, or in the ground. Residents must also avoid using waste motor oil to oil the road, control dust, kill weeds, or in any other activity that could harm the environment. The only option for South Carolina residents is to recycle the oil according to state guidelines.

As of June 2016, regulation 61-107.279 from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control outlines the current standards for recycling. Among the stipulations listed in the current regulations:

• 11 discusses the burning used oil. As long as the oil burned does not contain more than the maximum amounts of arsenic (5 ppm), cadmium (2 ppm), chromium (10 ppm), lead (100 ppm), or other trace hazards, individuals and companies may burn it for energy recovery purposes. Further regulatory constraints dictate when and how individuals burn used oil that exceeds allowable levels.

• 31 discusses used oil collection centers. The state imposes certain rules and restrictions on any business or government agency that accepts used waste oil as part of a recycling program. Any place that accepts used oil for collection must register with the state and follow all applicable rules for containment and recycling.

• 64 discusses used oil storage. In South Carolina, anyone who manages, recycles, or burns used oil must keep the oil in aboveground containers. Storage owners who fail to keep containers in good condition and free of leaks may face penalties.

The regulations also cover standards for energy recover used oil burners, transferring used oil between locations, and reprocessing or re-refining used oil.

The Incentive to Recycle Waste Oil in South Carolina

Incentives do not always provide positive reinforcement such as compensation or tax breaks. In South Carolina, the incentive is negatively reinforced. Those who do not comply with the state’s current regulations may face fines and penalties. Individuals and businesses who produce used motor oil in South Carolina must comply with state regulations.

Options for Recycling Waste Oil in South Carolina

As an individual, recycling waste oil means finding a certified collection center. Companies such as Auto Zone and Tractor Supply Company and various local agencies often act as collection centers that accept waste oil for free. DIYers can keep and transfer the oil in milk jugs or other secured containers.

Businesses have access to a few more options. In addition to partnering with re-refineries and export recycling programs, an automotive center may invest in a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that complies with state regulations. Instead of worrying about maintaining regulations for transferring used oil from place to place, consider using waste oil produced onsite as a free source of energy. Waste oil boilers, heaters, and fans can save businesses money on monthly energy bills, improve comfort levels on hot summer days, and help enterprises maintain regulatory compliance.

Source:

https://www.scdhec.gov/Agency/docs/lwm-regs/R61-107_279.pdf