CAR Fluid & Hazardous Waste Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under EPA regulations, used oil that has been mixed with a listed hazardous waste is classified as:
- Still usable recycled oil
- A listed hazardous waste itself (Correct answer)
- A universal waste
- Exempt from all regulations
Correct answer: A listed hazardous waste itself
When used oil is mixed with a listed hazardous waste, it becomes a listed hazardous waste and must be managed accordingly.
Question 2: What is the maximum container size typically allowed for storing used oil at an automotive recycling facility before requiring a permit?
- 55 gallons
- 250 gallons
- 500 gallons
- There is no maximum without a permit (Correct answer)
Correct answer: There is no maximum without a permit
Used oil generators may store any quantity in tanks or containers without a permit, as long as storage meets EPA used oil management standards.
Question 3: Which of the following best describes 'generator accumulation time' for small quantity generators of hazardous waste?
- 30 days
- 90 days
- 180 days (Correct answer)
- 270 days
Correct answer: 180 days
Small quantity generators may accumulate hazardous waste on-site for up to 180 days without a storage permit.
Question 4: Refrigerant recovered from vehicle air conditioning systems must be handled by:
- Any certified mechanic
- EPA Section 609 certified technicians only (Correct answer)
- Any employee with OSHA training
- A licensed hazardous waste hauler
Correct answer: EPA Section 609 certified technicians only
EPA Section 609 of the Clean Air Act requires technicians who service or dispose of motor vehicle air conditioners to be certified.
Question 5: What is the primary concern when mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles are not properly removed before crushing?
- Fire risk during crushing
- Mercury contamination of scrap metal and the environment (Correct answer)
- Loss of recyclable copper
- Increased crushing equipment wear
Correct answer: Mercury contamination of scrap metal and the environment
Mercury switches, if not removed, release mercury during shredding or crushing, contaminating scrap metal and posing environmental hazards.
Question 6: Under RCRA, which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of hazardous waste?
- Ignitability
- Corrosivity
- Toxicity
- Radioactivity (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Radioactivity
RCRA defines four characteristics of hazardous waste: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity — radioactivity is regulated under separate nuclear laws.
Question 7: When draining coolant from end-of-life vehicles, used antifreeze that shows no contamination with hazardous substances is typically classified as:
- Listed hazardous waste
- Characteristic hazardous waste
- Non-hazardous recyclable material (Correct answer)
- Universal waste
Correct answer: Non-hazardous recyclable material
Uncontaminated used antifreeze is generally considered a non-hazardous recyclable material and can be reclaimed or recycled.
CAR Fluid & Hazardous Waste Management 2
Under EPA regulations, used oil that has been mixed with a listed hazardous waste is classified as: