What is it – Used Oil Recycling
Used oil, as the name suggests, refers to any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has seen prior use. It is a vital component in the smooth operation of various machines, from cars on the road to our lawnmowers at home. Over time, impurities like dirt, water, and chemicals can infiltrate the oil during its normal usage, diminishing its effectiveness. As the oil’s performance deteriorates, it becomes necessary to substitute oil with new or recycled oil to maintain optimal function.
What is used oil collection or recycling?
It is the process of gathering used oil for the purpose of recycling or safe disposal. These substances can come from various sources, including automotive engines, industrial machinery, and heating systems. If not disposed of properly, they can pose a significant risk to the environment. They can contaminate bodies of water and soil, and their disposal in landfills can lead to harmful emissions.
How is the used oil collected?
The process of used oil collection can be broken down into several key stages, each crucial in ensuring that these substances are handled in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. The first stage is collection. This involves accumulating it from a variety of sources, which can range from service stations and garages to factories and even residential households. Specialized containers are typically employed during this phase to curtail any potential leaks or spills, thereby preventing immediate environmental damage.
The second stage is transportation. After being gathered, it’s transported to a dedicated processing facility. This stage calls for specially designed vehicles to carry out the task, which is crucial to mitigate the risk of environmental contamination during transit.
The third stage pertains to the recycling or disposal of it. Upon reaching the processing facility, the oil is often subject to recycling processes. It’s cleaned, with contaminants removed, and refined for reuse. However, when recycling isn’t a viable option, it is disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations, ensuring minimal harm to the ecosystem.
Advantages of Reusing and Recycling Used Oil
Opting to recycle and reuse it not only helps avoid disposal issues, but also yields significant environmental advantages. Recycled motor oil can undergo re-refinement into fresh oil, conversion into fuel oils, or can serve as a raw material resource for the petroleum industry.
Used oils such as engine lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils that are employed in vehicles can contribute to environmental pollution if not properly recycled or disposed of. It is crucial that such oils are correctly managed by local waste management authorities or automotive repair shops to prevent environmental contamination. Similarly, used filters can pose a waste management concern. If correctly drained, these filters can be safely recycled or disposed of.
The improper disposal is not just detrimental to the environment but is also considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Therefore, if you find yourself needing to dispose of oil, it’s highly recommended to reach out to a professional used oil collection service, such as Select Environmental, who can appropriately manage it.
Select Environmental, a division of Mansfield Service Partners, has been trusted for over 30 years to safely and reliably collect your recyclable and oily waste streams. Our unique collection equipment is designed to collect multiple materials at once, saving you valuable time and resources. Request a quote today.
