Used Oil Samples Not Considered A Hazardous Waste Shipment

Shipping requirements for lubricating oils are determined by the fluid's flash point. There are also standards for appropriate containment. Find out more about preparing and sending samples to your laboratory.

Hazards Identification

New or used lubricating oils have been declared by the U.S. Postal Service as not hazardous, flammable or toxic according to its Regulation for Hazardous Material (DMM 601.10.6) which indicates that liquids with a flash point above 200°F are free of restrictions when shipped by air or surface transportation.

The average flashpoint of used engine oil is 380°F and the average flash point of used transmission or hydraulic fluids is 340°F. If the minimum flash point of 200°F is met, the collection and shipping containment provided in POLARIS Laboratories test kits is sufficient for shipment by air or ground transportation.

Containment

U.S. Postal Regulations requirements state that the sample collection container have a lined, screw-on lid to prevent leakage. POLARIS Laboratories' oil analysis test kits provide a plastic sample collection jar, a lid with an F217 liner and, although not required, a plastic return mailer for secondary containment.

Questions concerning the shipment of new and used lubricating oils to POLARIS Laboratories should be directed Customer Service at 877-808-3750.

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