title = "Used Oil and Chemical Waste Disposal Procedures"

content = """
Used oil and chemical waste disposal at Ridgecrest Metalworks is governed by federal, state, and local regulations that specify how these materials must be stored, labeled, transported, and ultimately disposed of or recycled. Failure to follow these procedures can result in regulatory violations, facility liability for cleanup costs, and harm to local water resources.

**Used oil definition and applicability.** Under EPA 40 CFR Part 279, used oil is any petroleum or synthetic oil that has been used and is contaminated with physical or chemical impurities. This includes: used hydraulic fluid drained during machine maintenance, used gear oil from gearboxes, used spindle oil, and used compressor oil. Used oil is not classified as a hazardous waste if it meets specific management standards, but it must be managed carefully.

**Used oil storage.** Used oil is collected into labeled drums or totes in the maintenance shop. Requirements:
- Container labeled "Used Oil" (not "waste oil"—the regulatory distinction matters).
- Container kept closed when not actively filling.
- Container in good condition with no leaks or damage.
- Secondary containment (drip pan) under all used oil containers.
- Maximum accumulation time before pickup: 1 year (shorter if volume exceeds storage limits).

**Used oil disposal.** Ridgecrest contracts with a licensed used oil collection service. Used oil is either re-refined into base lubricant or burned as fuel in industrial boilers. The collector provides a waste manifest or receipt. Do not mix used oil with solvents, chlorinated fluids, or other chemicals—this can render the used oil a hazardous waste, dramatically increasing disposal cost.

**Chemical waste (non-oil).** Expired or off-spec chemicals, contaminated solvents, and chemical residues from cleaning operations are classified separately:
- Alkaline degreasers and phosphate rinse waters: typically managed as a regulated waste; pH and metals testing determine classification.
- Spent pickle acid (hydrochloric or sulfuric acid from oxide removal): RCRA characteristic hazardous waste (corrosive). Requires hazardous waste manifest, licensed transporter, and permitted disposal facility.
- Aerosol can waste: empty aerosol cans that have been completely emptied are non-hazardous; cans with remaining pressure or product are regulated waste.

All chemical waste containers must be labeled with: chemical identity, hazard class, date waste generation began, and Ridgecrest facility name and address. Label containers at the time they begin accumulating—not at pickup time.
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version = "0.0.1"
