Many businesses must manage and dispose of used oil filters generated by maintenance activities on manufacturing equipment and vehicles. Depending on local regulations, used oil filters are either drained and disposed in local landfills, or they are disposed through a specialized hazardous waste disposal company.

Recycling is a third option which minimizes disposal costs for the filters and increases the quantity of materials available for scrap metal recycling and re-sale. Used oil filters generally consist of a metal casing, a paper filter element, and a small amount of residual oil. The metal casing can usually be recovered and recycled as scrap metal. The paper element and residual oil can be burned for energy recovery.

The facility should ensure that all of the oil is removed from the filters and disposed according to regulatory requirements. Used oil should always be segregated from other wastes and recycled.

Recommendations:

Purchase a used oil filter crusher. A crusher will reduce the waste volume of used filters and improve the removal of oil from the filter.

If used oil filters are not crushed, drain them for at least 24 hours before storing or transporting.

Recycle the metal filter casings as scrap metal once the oil is completely drained.

Vendor Information:

Metal Recyclers*

Metales Artico, Contact: Ana Picos
Calle Granate #10B.
Fracc. El Rubi, Tijuana
ph. (52-66)84-50-25
fx. (52-66)84-54-13

Productos Reciclables la Calera, Contact: Manuel del Toro
Final Canal Norte #100
Colonia Alamar, Tijuana
ph. (52-66)23-05-17, Fax (52-66)23-05-17

* See Border Recyclers Directory for other potential vendors.