The Dangers of Improper Waste Oil Disposal

Thursday, 16 December 2021 16:32

You are most likely familiar with waste oil if you work in an auto body shop or work with heavy machinery. As such, when emptying a tank of used oil, it is very important to take the right steps to ensure proper disposal. Waste oil is a thick substance that is difficult to manage if it gets out of hand. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of improper waste oil disposal so you can avoid any harm.

Consequences of Improper Waste Oil Disposal

1. Bodily Injuries

When carrying out an oil change, the first task is to extract the waste oil from the sump. When extracting the oil, it's important to wear the correct safety gear to maintain control of your tools. Not using the right tools or safety gear can lead to bigger issues. The last thing you need is oil spilling all over you and your work area. If oil does happen to spill in the work area, it's difficult to clean up and can lead to dangerous slips and falls.

As waste oil is very slick, only a small amount spilled on a solid surface can cause you to slip, lose balance, and fall over. Slip and fall injuries are the most common form of workplace injuries and the majority of these injuries are due to slippery surfaces that have been created from oil spills that haven't been cleaned up.

2. Environmental Contamination

If waste oil spills are not cleaned up in a timely manner, there is a risk that the surrounding environment will become contaminated. This occurs when waste oil seeps into storm water drains that run into nearby waterways. As the environment becomes polluted it can cause local drinking water sources to become contaminated. This is a huge risk to the sustainability of a clean green environment. And if a local environmental protection authority identified this kind of pollution, you could be charged with heavy fines.

Recycling your waste oil with a Clean Energy furnace can protect the environment from improper oil disposal. Plus, heating with used oil minimizes the need for other heat sources such as natural gas, propane, and electricity.

3. Poor Business Health

Improper disposal of your used waste oil can have several consequences on your business. Your business can slip if employees are getting injured on the job or local authorities report oil pollution. Following disposal best practices will positively reflect on your business and will encourage consumers to support you.

Tips for Proper Disposal

Recycling

Instead of trying to dispose of your waste oil, why not recycle it into free heat for your building? That's right! With a used oil furnace, you can recycle any waste oil and you don’t have to worry about disposal costs or liabilities. Getting a furnace for your business is an easy installation and low maintenance addition to your company.

Labeling

It is still your responsibility to make sure your waste oil gets disposed of properly if you are giving your waste oil to a third-party handler. Labeling will help your company and any third parties to ensure proper disposal.

Refer to these labeling requirements:

  • Label all used oil storage tanks, piping and containers with the words “USED OIL.”
  • Used oil containers and tanks must be labeled or marked clearly. Replace faded or peeled signs, stickers or other labels as needed.
  • Additional labels could include Department of Transportation diamond-shaped placards or National Fire Protection Association labels.

Start Burning Waste Oil Safely and Responsibly Today!

If you’re interested in a more environmentally friendly heating option, reach out to us today at Interstate Energy. We’ll help you find the right waste oil heater to minimize your carbon footprint and heat your business for free.

Contact us today to learn more about burning waste oil responsibly.