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Six key questions are most often asked about waste oil. The answers to these questions
help provide us with an understanding about what waste oil is and how it affects us.
No.1
What is Waste Oil?
The State of Kansas defines waste oil, or "used oil", as any oil which has been refined
from crude oil petroleum or any re-refined oil which, through use or contamination, has
become unsuitable for the use which it was originally intended. The most common waste oil
is used motor oil.
No. 2
Is Waste Oil Hazardous Waste?
Waste oil is not considered hazardous waste as long as it is recycled for energy or material
recovery. However, waste oil mixed with a waste exhibiting hazardous characteristics, or
containing EPA listed hazardous wastes, is considered hazardous waste.
No. 3
How Should I Dispose of Waste Oil?
Vehicle waste oil can usually be disposed of at neighborhood vehicle service stations. However,
please be sure to contact your local station to confirm that they will accept vehicle waste oil.
Another disposal location would be the household hazardous materials program collection site serving
your community. Most types of residential waste oil are generally accepted, at no cost to you. In
Johnson County, Kansas, contact the Environmental Department's
Household Hazardous Materials Program at (913) 715-6900 or the City of Olathe's Household Hazardous
Materials Program at (913) 764-6477 for additional information.
No. 4
Can Waste Oil be Recycled?
YES, in fact the EPA assumes that all waste oil will be recycled. Most waste oil destined
for reuse are used as a supplemental fuel source at large fossil fuel consuming industries, such as
cement kilns. Some higher grades of oil may be rejuvenated and returned to service. In either case,
recycling waste oil helps conserve our diminishing natural resources.
No. 5
Are There Penalties for the Improper Disposal of Waste Oil?
Federal, state and local regulations contain provisions which govern the disposal of materials
such as waste oil. Federal and state regulations address improper waste oil disposal as a solid
waste, hazardous waste and/or a water quality violation. Local regulations typically view improper
waste oil disposal as a nuisance ordinance violation. Monetary fines may accompany violation
enforcement actions. You should also be aware that the disposal of waste oil into the storm drainage
system will incur the same violation as if the waste oil was discharged to the ground surface or the
waters of the State of Kansas. The disposal of waste oil to the sanitary sewerage system will be a
violation of your local sewer use ordinance. In summary, THE ONLY LEGAL WAY TO DISPOSE OF WASTE OIL
IS TO RECYCLE!
No. 6
What Should I Do If I Witness Waste Oil Dumping?
If you witness waste oil dumping, or find a site where it has occurred, please contact your
city's Codes Enforcement Officer or the Johnson County Environmental Department. The Environmental
Department can be reached anytime by dialing (913) 715-6900 or by
email. An investigation
will be performed. If warranted, remediation of the site may be required. Your help is needed.
Do not hesitate to report improper waste oil disposal.
REMEMBER...
Waste oil disposed of in an improper manner is harmful to our environment. Plants and aquatic
life, wildlife, livestock, and even family pets may be harmed as the result of an improper waste
oil disposal. Through waste oil recycling, you can help stop the harm.
Please dispose of waste oil in a responsible manner and educate others in preserving our environment.
For More Information
Please call the Johnson County Environmental Department at (913)
715-6900 or email the Industrial
Pretreatment program.
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