Recycling use oil filters

EPA Victoria has banned the disposal of used oil filters to landfill from 1 July this year to further reduce prescribed industrial waste disposed to landfill.

EPA's manager, Waste Management Unit, Mel Barker said all used oil filters must be recycled to recover oil and metal to be used in a range of products.

"Used oil filters are a significant prescribed industrial waste stream generated in Victoria. Around 2000 tonnes of used oil filters are generated from vehicle servicing each year. The landfill ban will drive greater recovery of these valuable metal and oil resources," Barker said.

"These filters retain significant amounts of oil and are not suitable for landfill disposal. They can also pose a hazard during handling and transport, as oil can leak from waste transport vehicles not suited to carry these types of wastes."

Auto workshops can recycle filters by following three basic steps of draining, segregating and engaging an EPA-approved contractor to pick up filters for recycling.

"As a result of consultation with the community and industry, EPA will provide funding for drop-off points in rural areas, based on need, to enable the filters to be collected for recycling," Barker said.

EPA will work with relevant government agencies and local groups around the state and oil filter collection service providers to establish these drop-off points.