What are the Benefits of an Oil Filter Crusher?

When you change an oil filter during a vehicle service, you can drain the oil from the old filter and then crush it to make it easier to store before it is collected by a commercial recycling company. For automotive or manufacturing businesses that ‘pay by volume’ for waste disposal, considerable savings can also be achieved by compacting used filter waste.

How do they work?

Oil filter crushers are a popular type of waste compactor used by automotive businesses in the UK as they can help to save money and boost sustainability. They feature a compaction plate which applies a downward pressure to the filter which has been placed within the compaction cabinet. The machine sits on a sturdy metal frame which is large enough to sit above an open hazardous waste drum. Once the crushing process is complete, the waste material can be ejected safely into the drum below. 

Considerations

When deciding whether this equipment is right for your business, it is important to consider the degree of compaction that can be achieved. During testing we found that the volume reduction during the compaction process is linked to the design of the filter therefore, before purchasing or hiring an oil filter waste compactor it is sensible to first request a machine trial. This will enable you to get a more accurate understanding of both how the machine works and how it performs with the types of filters you want it to compact. 

If you are considering this type of machine, it is also worth noting whether it can also be used to compact other types of workshop waste such as empty paint cans, small oil drums and cans. By using it to compact multiple types of waste within your workplace, you can not only improve your return on investment, but it can also help to reduce the amount of space dedicated to waste storage.

Finally, it is important to check with your designated waste collection firm that there are no restrictions on the total maximum weight of the waste that can be placed into a single drum before proceeding with a hire or purchase of this equipment.

Best practice

To reduce mess, is it recommended that you crush the old oil filter as soon as possible after it is removed from the vehicle therefore, we’d recommend installing the unit within the servicing bay area. It is also worthwhile training all your mechanics on how to operate it so a backlog of waste does not build up.

To maximise efficiency and reduce waste handling, we’d recommend choosing a machine where the crushed filter waste is deposited directly into a 205L hazardous waste drum positioned under the machine.

What safety precautions do I need to consider?

As with all machinery in a workplace, it should only be used by trained personnel who are wearing the correct PPE. Every user must have access to and have read the machine manual thoroughly. You should also ensure that:

• The machine is installed in a well-ventilated area
• The machine is installed in a location away from direct sunlight
• The machine is serviced at regular intervals by a competent person

After the crushing process is complete, it is important that you dispose of the crushed filters and any residual oil or sludge appropriately. Waste oil and waste oil filters should be stored in a container with secondary containment for addition storage security. 

Waste oil and fuel filters are classed as hazardous waste and should always be disposed of in a way that complies with current waste disposal and recycling rules. This also applies to oil contaminated rags and other contaminated absorbents such as PPE and granules. It is important that you choose a reputable waste collection company who are fully compliant with the latest legislation to remove all your oil contaminated waste. This will ensure that your waste is disposed of in a lawful way, and you are issued with the correct documentation for your records.

Purchasing from QCR Recycling Equipment

QCR Recycling Equipment are a leading provider of waste management solutions for the automotive industry. Customers are given the choice of either hiring or purchasing recycling equipment for their workshop. Rental is often the preferred option for many businesses because the hire agreement includes:

• Free machine delivery and installation (offloading required)
• Free ongoing operator training and documentation
• Fixed rental costs throughout the term (no sneaky price hikes mid-contract)
• Free routine machine servicing by a Safe Contractor endorsed QCR Engineer

Typical hire agreements are for two years or more but shorter terms can be made available.