How to Dispose of Used Furnace Oil

There are a few different reasons why you may need to get rid of furnace oil. Oil will usually last 18 to 24 months. However, oil that’s stored for a long time can deteriorate. This may be caused by bacteria in your tank or water or acids making their way into the tank. Rust, sludge, and other types of debris forming over time will also contaminate furnace oil.

You may also purchase a new home or building that has oil that’s been sitting for a while and requires replacement. Or, you could be switching to an electric furnace. No matter what your reasoning is, it’s important to dispose of the oil correctly. Since oil is considered hazardous waste, it’s against the law to improperly dispose of it. Everything from handling oil and putting it in a storage container to transporting it has special considerations. In most cases, your best option is to contact a professional.

How Old Furnace Oil Is Removed

The first step to disposing of old oil is to remove it from your furnace. Professionals like those at IT Landes Home Service Team can help you determine when your oil needs to be removed and how to go about the process. Extreme caution must be exercised during this process. Even if you’re getting rid of an entire oil heating tank, it needs to be drained first.

First, you need oil barrels or closed storage containers with tight-fitting lids that can hold the amount of oil you need to dispose of. The container should be empty so you’re not mixing the oil with any other substances like gas or other oils and solvents. You’ll want to clearly label the containers no matter what method you’re using for disposal.

High-quality, well-fitting gloves are also a must to ensure your skin doesn’t come into contact with the oil. You will need a funnel specifically designed for handling oil or a transfer pump that can move the oil from your furnace into your containers. Given the supplies you need and the knowledge required to get the job done properly, it’s best to reach out to a professional company that offers fuel oil services. If you’re in Pennsylvania’s Bucks or Montgomery County, contact IT Landes Home Service Team.

Recycling Used Furnace Oil

One of the best ways to get rid of your old furnace oil is by recycling it. Some used oil can be reused, or it may be refined into lubricants, fuel oils, or raw materials for other uses. Companies that offer oil-related services will be able to provide you with a full understanding of your options.

For example, your oil company may be able to pump the used oil out of your old tank and into a new one for continued use. This can help save you money and the hassle of disposal. However, it’s important to ensure that the oil is still good for further use. Water, sludge, and other contaminants may need to be removed to maintain the oil’s quality. You should also avoid mixing oil. This includes different types of oil, as well as old and new oil.

The Department of Environmental Conservation also has helpful tools for recycling used oil. Service providers that sell a certain amount of oil each year must accept up to 5 gallons of used oil per person each day. There are instances when their tanks may be full so they aren’t able to accept your oil. They may be able to contact you once they have available capacity again, or you may decide to pursue a different option.

Transporting to Local Recycling Center

When transporting old oil, the containers must be properly sealed and secured in the vehicle. Placing the oil in the back of open-bed trucks is often the best option to prevent fumes from getting in the vehicle’s cabin and protect against hazardous spills.

Check your state’s environmental safety guidelines beforehand as there may be limits to how much you can bring at a time. Separate trips may be required. Recycling centers will also have their own process for how to hand off the oil once you arrive. To avoid the potential risk and hassle of transporting hazardous waste, contact IT Landes Home Service Team for assistance.

Arranging for County Pickup

Depending on where you live, your town or county may be able to pick up your old oil and dispose of it for you. Used oil is considered hazardous waste, so many counties have this precaution in place to ensure proper transportation and disposal.

Not all areas offer this service, so it’s best to conduct an online search or reach out to inquire about this possibility. Be sure to figure out any requirements they may have, such as packaging or labeling, to ensure the process is as seamless as possible.

Contact a Local Professional

Instead of messing with pumps and funnels yourself, consider reaching out to a local professional. At IT Landes Home Service Team, we deal with oil furnaces and oil boilers. We have professionals who understand the risks associated with heating oil, as well as state regulations around handling and disposal. We can help save you the stress and hassle of disposal while offering peace of mind that the job can get done right.

Think beyond oil disposal and consider your other oil-related needs. IT Landes Home Service Team can provide you with high-quality premium oil. We can conduct an assessment to see how much you might need over the course of a year and help you understand different payment plans so you’re prepared to heat your home throughout the year. Professionals that offer comprehensive services are a great option because you don’t have to hunt down a provider and risk getting unexpected fees for emergency service.

Additional Considerations

Handling and disposing of oil should not be taken lightly. As a hazardous material, used furnace oil can pose a risk to both you and the environment. Before embarking on a project on your own, be sure you understand everything it entails. Oil disposal requires specific supplies and steps to ensure it is done correctly.

You also need to be aware of state regulations. For example, your state may have specific requirements for how you can dispose of your oil and how much oil you can get rid of at one time. Failure to meet these guidelines can be illegal.

Get Help Today

If you are ready to reach out to a professional, look into IT Landes Home Service Team. We provide an array of services to Bucks County and Montgomery County. This includes heating and cooling, plumbing, fuel oil, and clean air and safety services. We also offer all our customers the option to purchase memberships that address all of their plumbing and HVAC needs.

IT Landes Home Service Team offers prompt, reliable service that you can rely on when taking care of your home. You can also explore IT Landes Commercial for your business needs. Contact us today to talk about how we can help or set up an appointment!