Used Oil Storage

Given the current situation regaing used oil, the Municipal Waste Advisory Council requested clarification from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) on the storage of used oil.

A response has now been received from the DEC Licensing Unit regarding Local Government storage of additional used oil onsite (available here).

With regards to the licences for Council operated landfill and transfer stations, no amendments are necessary should the storage of waste oil be less than 10,000L per annum and for a period of less than 12 months. However, this is provided that the waste oil is stored in accordance with the Department of Water: Water Quality Protection Guidelines No. 10 - 'Mining and Mineral Processing: Above-ground fuel and chemical storage, 2000' namely Parts 6.1 - 6.3 and 6.6. This is available here or from the Department of Waters website.

The DEC has indicated they will review this advice in 12 months time and advise accordingly. Further enquiries should be directed to your local DEC Regional Office (contact list available here) or Irene Vasquez (Perth DEC Office - Tuesdays only) on 6467 5277 or email irene.vasquez@dec.gov.au

The Dangerous Goods Branch (part of the Resources Safety Division of the Department of Environment of Consumer Protection and Employment Protection) has prepared a fact sheet (available here) for Local Government to assist with the safe storage of used oil. For more information on the fact sheet contact Patrick Senycia from DOCEP on 9222 3135

Local Government Used Oil Storage Survey

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council undertook a survey of used oil collection infrastructure in Western Australia in February 2007. To update the results obtained from this survey and gauge the current status capacity of Local Government used oil storage, MWAC has carryied out the survey again.

For more information on the survey please contact Judy Scott on 9213 2086 or jscott@walga.asn.au or Bienne Argent on 9213 2069 or bargent@walga.asn.au