
Whether you use specialist refrigeration oils from CPI Fluid Engineering or gas engine and gear oils from Castrol managing, the disposal of waste lubricant is a key concern.
While some agricultural oil is designed to have a low impact on the environment, many lubricants contain properties that produce a negative effect when they enter our ecosystem. Companies can face heavy fines when they fail to dispose of waste oil correctly and can be the cause of health hazards when oils pollute the food chain by entering soil and water.
Following good waste oil disposal practices can also benefit firms outside of avoiding penalties and fines. Proper management can effectively reduce costs, attract eco-conscious customers and even generate revenue. Here, we look at the best practices to adopt as you manage the disposal of waste oil at your site.
What is waste oil?
Many operators employ “used oil” and “waste oil” as interchangeable terms, but this isn’t entirely correct. The key difference between the two oil states is that used oil can often be reused or recycled, while waste oil is classed as hazardous waste and requires proper disposal.
Used oil has already seen use and is contaminated with chemical or physical impurities but can be filtered and used again or recycled. Waste oil is a lubricant that has combined with a hazardous substance (like kerosene or antifreeze) which requires it to be disposed of correctly.
Don’t pour oil down the drain
Waste oils should never be poured down a drain. Oils and greases can solidify and cling to pipework, causing blockages. However, oils can also cause harm when they enter bodies of water interfering with ecosystems and causing a health hazard for aquatic life. Oils create a film over water that reduces oxygen levels for animal and plant life living below the surface.
Don’t mix different oils
Mixing several types of waste oil and other materials can increase how hazardous the load becomes. This not only makes it more expensive to get rid of waste, but also increases risk to human and animal health and the environment. Mixing oils with toxic materials like solvents and paints can also make recycling extremely difficult.
Consider recycling oil
When oil is simply used and not classed as waste oil, companies can benefit from recycling lubricants for reuse. Many oils can be refreshed and have unwanted physical and chemical contaminants removed so they can see active service life again. Recycling oils can be an economical option for enterprises that allows them to get a greater return on the stocks of lubricants they purchase. It also improved their green credentials, allowing them to meet sustainability targets set by governments and regulators, and enhances their image with environmentally conscious clients, partners and customers.
Store oil properly
With an understanding that there is a clear difference between used and waste oil, lubricant storage becomes a critical factor in waste oil management and disposal. Lubricant users must use a clear labelling system that can identify oils that are case fresh, used but possible to recycle or reuse and waste oils that must be disposed of. Once established, this system should extend to all containers and pans used to transfer oil to and from machinery to avoid contamination. When new lubricants are mixed with older oils that are used or classed as waste, they become degraded and their sought-after properties are reduced.
When space allows, on top of a clear lubricant labelling system, used and waste oils should be stored separately from unspoiled oils while they await recycling or disposal. Bunded drums tanks and drums are also a wise option to deploy. These specially designed container platforms can collect unwanted spills, leaks, and oil run-off to protect both onsite employees and the environment.
Disposing of waste oil legally
Here in the UK, used and waste oil should always be disposed of using a licensed waste carrier to make sure that it is handled legally and securely. A licensed carrier can collect oil and, if it’s possible, ensure it is recycled or if not, dealt with correctly at a hazardous waste centre. Carriers have the equipment and expertise necessary to manage waste oil efficiently and safely.
Waste and used oil should be stored in a clearly marked suitable container to ready for collection. Companies should obtain proof that the waste oil was disposed of properly according to UK legislation.
Proper waste oil disposal management is business critical, but by following these practices you can keep your site operating safely and legally.