Greener Alternatives to the Spin-On Oil Filter, 1998 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

Spin-on oil filters began their use on the automobile in 1956. Until recently almost all spent filters were disposed of landfills. An EPA study in 1992 concluded that if oil filters were adequately drained and did not contain terne plate; a lead based plating, the filters would not be considered hazardous waste and could be disposed of in landfills.

The individual states however are free to impose more stringent regulations and many states have done so, banning oil filters from their landfills. In this process new businesses have evolved to deal with the disposal and recycling of used oil filters.

Filter manufactures and OE vehicle manufactures have been looking at better ways to lessen this waste disposal impact. The “Green” trend has been alive in Europe for several years and many of their automobiles incorporate a disposable cartridge filter inserted into a permanently mounted housing. Many of these filters still have metal components which must be separated and recycled. Newer designs being considered incorporate no metal components or hazardous materials and therefore can be wholly incinerated. Efforts are also underway to extend the use of the filters.

Environmental impact models value re- use even higher on the scale. Filter materials are available today that can withstand repeated cleanings and would last the life of a vehicle. However, a “Life Cycle Analysis” does not necessarily justify the shift from the conventional spin-on filter. Other influences will impact the decision to make this quantum change.