Small family farming operations are recognized by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as being similar to households. Typically, these operations generate used oil as well as other household wastes that are exempt under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. In recognizing small farming operations as households, EPA has provided an exemption from generator standards for operations that generate, on average, 25 gallons or less of used oil per month. Consistent with this EPA interpretation, the Division of Waste Management encourages small farmers to recycle their used oil, and where possible, to participate in community collection programs.
The Division of Waste Management has established used oil collection centers in 87 counties throughout Kentucky to provide proper disposal options for do-it-yourselfer (DIY) used oil generators. Collection tanks are the responsibility of center operators and are provided as a public service. Due to limited tank space, generators of quantities exceeding five gallons should contact center operators to determine the availability of service. Center operators retain the right to refuse material suspected to be contaminated with other fluids. To locate the collection center nearest you, contact the
Kentucky Division of Energy at (800) 282-0868.
The options available to the agricultural community are:
Option 1 - Call (800) 282-0868 to determine the nearest location and phone number of a DIY Center. If the quantity is greater than five gallons, contact the center to determine the availability of service.
Option 2 - Call the service station or center where you purchase fuel and oil. These merchants will many times provide the service for their customers.
Option 3 - Work with the local agricultural cooperative to establish a used oil collection day. Collectors within the state will cooperate with local businesses to provide this service.
Option 4 - Generators could consider the acquisition of used oil furnaces for heated spaces at equipment service centers. This could be a collection point for the farming community.
Option 5 - Check with the local school bus garage. Many times these facilities accumulate oil from DIY and heat with oil fired furnaces.
Note that a resource guide on
household hazardous waste is available online and may be of use to many small family farming operations. A list of commercial
used oil transporters is also available online that may be of benefit to small family farms.
