Used oil means 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. Examples of used oil include pump oil, motor oil, hydraulic fluid, lubricants and oil coolants.

Containers and aboveground tanks used to store used oil must be labeled or marked clearly with the words “Used Oil”, and NOT “Waste Oil.” 

Generators of used oil throughout the campus must store used oil in containers that are in good condition (no severe rusting, apparent structural defects or deterioration) and not leaking (no visible leaks). Remove damaged tanks or containers from use or repair immediately. 

Used Oil containers must be kept closed except when adding or removing used oil (do not leave funnel in the neck of the open container). Used oil containers must be kept inside secondary containment or other spill management practices to prevent oil from reaching the environment in the event of a leak or a spill.   

Used oil containers are potentially subject to the Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures rule (40 CFR Part 112). When a container of used oil with a capacity of at least 55 gallons is placed in service, notify EHS so that it can incorporate the container into Georgia Tech’s SPCC Plan as necessary.

Recycle vacuum pump oil and do not mix with organic solvents or other chemicals. If the pump oil is not mixed with solvents or other chemicals, manage it as used oil according to the procedures above. If it is mixed with solvents or other chemicals, indicate on the label as "pump oil contaminated with other chemicals” (specify which chemicals) and treat as a hazardous waste.  (Do not mix with other waste streams).

Please leave at least 5% of the waste container empty to allow for thermal expansion of the waste during transport.

Generate a waste card and request a pick up via EHSA (ehsa.gatech.edu) when the container is full. If the link for EHSA does not work, be sure you are connected to the GT or GTRI VPN.