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Oil Filter Crushers - Shops Save Both Type$ of Green
By Dennis Bandy Copyright © 2007
DenLorsTools.com
Many people are unaware that oil filters have a check valve or anti-backflow valve that prevents the oil from flowing out when the filter is turned upside down to drain. While on the vehicle, the check valve keeps oil primed in the filter so when the car is started oil can be pumped faster to the vehicle's engine. Without removing this oil that is trapped in the filter prior to disposal, the oil cannot be recycled and may end up in an incinerator along with the metal from the used filters when they are being melted for recycling. The EPA (Evionmental Proctection Agency) has many laws and regulations regarding the proper handling of hazardous waste and it's important for repair facilities to understand the federal and state regulations to reduce possible liability and fines.
The liability remains with the generator of the waste, which is the repair shop according to the EPA. By crushing the used filters some states do not consider them hazardous waste any longer and they may be sold as scrap metal. For more information and to find out what your state's requirements are regarding proper used filter management call 800 99-FILTER. Auto repair shops that crush used oil filters are not only helping the environment, they also pay less for disposal of the old filters and reduce their liability. Many companies that dispose of used oil filters for auto repair shops provide sealable drums or outside containers that resemble a miniature trash dumpster for collecting them. Keep in mind that the company you choose should be a reputable one that has a good track record. One way to drain used oil filters and to free the oil trapped by the check valve is to pierce the dome of the filters then drain them for 12 hours prior to placing them in the collection bin. The use of the oil filter crusher eleminates the need to pierce and drain the free flowing oil from the used filters. Also, by using an oil filter crusher, it is possible to fit up to 75% more used oil filters in the container. Typically the disposal company charges a set price for transporting and properly disposing of the contents of the full container. Auto repair shops that crush used oil filters are not only helping the environment, they also pay less for disposal of the old filters. So as you can see repair shops can save both types of green, with green saved by lower disposal costs the compacting tool pays for itself.
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