RE-REFINING
Renewable resource
How re-refining used lubricant oils is making a difference Mark Olpin, Executive Chairman. Slicker Recycling
This article is the first of a four-part series in which we will aim to illustrate the scope and workings of the used lubricants re-refining sector, the challenges if it is to do more, and why players in the wider industry should work closely to make an even greater contribution to sustainability.
In this first article we start where the waste oil recovery industry picks up the baton, that is when used lubricating oil has finished its first useful life and is to be discarded becoming potential feedstock for re-refining.
Part 1 - The Feedstock Dimension First Step - Collecting waste oil from lubricant users and why it should concern them.
In the past uncontrolled collection and disposal of waste oil has encouraged poor practice of oil disposal which creates pollution and has a direct impact on biodiversity, ecology and the environment.
Historically, waste oil was often burned directly without any pre-treatment, a dangerous and highly polluting practice because of its hazardous properties. This was once a particularly attractive route as oil has an intrinsic energy content. However, in Europe the burning of waste oil requires costly compliance and permissions, even in a small waste oil burner.
After some serious pollution incidents, Europe took action to introduce powerful waste legislation that sets out a range of roles and responsibilities making the business waste generator responsible for
ensuring that their wastes are properly managed and accounted for.
The legislation accomplished that mission through regulation, waste oil classification and coding systems – with some 27 lubricating oil related classes listed. Data is then subsequently used to show the quantities and the treatment regime the waste was subjected to, with waste generators receiving a return statement that demonstrates the appropriate management and processes have been concluded.
Those in the lubricants supply and marketing sectors will know that before their products are placed on the market, they must be rigorously assessed for product safety and environmental reasons under the REACH and CLP regulations.
Continued on page 14 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.176 AUGUST 2023 13
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