The RFS regulation envisions various scenarios under which RINs might be retired. The reporting section in the regulation names a few examples: retirement in satisfaction of enforcement action, spill, and use in a boiler or heater. We recognize that there are various other situations where RINs may need to be retired.
Ethanol that has become contaminated and that requires disposal is one such situation where the RINs would be retired. The reporting forms contain a field for retired RINs. Reporting forms and instructions are now available on our website at http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/rfsforms.htm.
Question and Answer was originally posted at: Questions and Answers on the Renewable Fuel Standard Program (PDF) (55 pp, 221 K, EPA420-F-07-041a, August 2007, About PDF)