It has been noted that environmental pollution is a global challenge as it results in damaged ecosystems, economic loss and tourism disruption.  It occurs as a result of careless incidents such as  industrial wastes discharge and oil spillages. Waste oil is produced across industries, from mining, manufacturing, construction, catering and agriculture. Waste oil is defined as any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties. The discharge of used oil pollutes the land, air, and water thereby, damaging the entire ecosystem.

Common causes of oil spillages

  • Carelessness
  • Equipment failure
  • Leakages
  • Natural disasters
  • Acts of vanderlism
  • Poor equiment maintanance

Organisations whether big or small should come up with sustainable methods on handling and disposing of used oil from equipment maintenance operations, process procedures and any other activities where used oils are generated.

Sources of used oil

  • Fuels oil
  • Lubricating oil
  • Transformer oil
  • Cooking oil and grease

Disposal of used oil should be done as per instructions defined in the Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Recycling of waste oil is the preferred disposal method. Only licensed operators are allowed to collect used oil for disposal. The National Oil Recyclers Association (NORA) was founded in 1985 to promote the safe recycling of used oil. Today, the organization recommends different types of recycling methods for waste oil.

Used Oil Re-Refining – The process of re-refining used oil removes impurities so that it can be used again as the base of new, lubricating oil.

Used Oil Processing – Processing used oil converts it into a fuel. This used oil can be converted into gasoline or another refinery fuel or burned directly as fuel. The latter is how our clean burn waste oil furnaces and boilers operate.

Reconditioning – This process filters used oil to extend the usable lifespan. This is the ideal waste oil disposal option for large volumes of industrial oil.

There are certain precautions that should be taken to ensure safe waste oil disposal. Waste oil is hazardous. If one is storing waste oil, they should make sure it is done properly and clearly labeled so as not to put employees or customers at risk. When handling waste oil, be sure to use protective equipment to keep the body safe. On the other hand, it is important to develop and implement a holistic waste management plan which is in line with the concepts and principles of sustainable development and growth, especially sustainable development goal 8 on decent work and economic growth, Goal 9 industry on innovation and infrastructure as well as Goal 12 on responsible consumption and production.

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