LO 10-6 Identify and describe the purpose, types, and operation of oil filtration systems

Filter Disposal and the Environment
The most important reason for the transition from spin-on to cartridge filters is spin-on filter disposal. The disposal cost of a cartridge filter is far less than that of a spin-on filter, which requires special handling procedures to be exempt from EPA regulations regarding hazardous waste. In many jurisdictions, spin-on oil filters are exempt from hazardous waste regulation if the oil filter is:

• Punctured through the dome end or anti-drainback valve, which normally prevents sludge from draining out of the filter, and hot-drained.
• Hot-drained and crushed.
• Hot-drained and dismantled.
• Hot-drained using an equivalent method to remove used oil.

Hot-draining is defined as draining the oil filter at or near engine operating temperature. This means the filter is removed from the engine while it is still warm, then punctured or crushed and drained. Most of the oil is removed from the filter during hot-draining. The EPA further recommends hot-draining for a minimum of 12 hours.