Are There Any Cost Effective Uses
For Used Oil?
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Updated January 7, 1998 - Doc. No.: 1303
The Growth of the Used Oil Wastestream
Used oil is by far becoming one of the largest wastestreams for industries performing
maintenance activities. Therefore, it is important now more than ever to properly manage used
oil. Recycling is the most efficient way of managing used oil: it saves money by preventing costly
cleanups and liabilities that are associated with mismanagement of used oil, and it helps to protect
the environment.
Recycling
On September 10, 1992, EPA published its Used Oil Management Standards. They are meant to
encourage the recycling of used oil, without placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on the
generators of used oil. Almost all used oil can be recycled. Cost comparison/analysis may be
necessary to determine which is the best recycling option for your business. The four most
common used oil recycling methods that are approved by the EPA's Used Oil Management
Standards are:
• Re-refining of used oil to use as a base stock for lubricating oil. This recycling option applies
physical and chemical treatments to the used oil to remove impurities until the re-refined oil is
of as high a quality as the virgin oil product. This recycling option is the most environmentally
friendly of all(the recycling methods—mostly because re-refined used oil can be reused over and
over again. In addition, re-refining takes from 50 to 85 percent less energy than refining virgin
oil into lubricating oil.
One disadvantage of re-refining is that it is more complicated and expensive than other recycling
options. However, re-refining used oil into lubricating oil is easier and less expensive than
re-refining crude oil into lubricating oil, and the costs associated with re-refining used oil usually
can be recaptured when the lubricating oil is sold. A second disadvantage that only a few
re-refining facilities are currently in operation in the United States. For more information on
re-refining see Contacts or contact your trade association.
Slipstreaming used oil to use as a base stock for other petroleum products. This method is
done by introducing small amounts (approximately 1 percent of the feedstock material) of used
oil into the virgin oil refining process. The refining process then removes all contaminants in
the used oil that will affect the quality of the resulting petroleum product. The major advantage
of slipstreaming is that the lubrication value of the used oil can be utilized without complicated
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processing methods. In addition, slipstreaming poses no greater environmental risk than
refining virgin oil. However, this method also has the disadvantage of lack of availability.
However, because of its advantages, on the other hand, slipstreaming and re-refining may
become more available in the future. For more information on slipstreaming, contact your
trade association.
Processing used oil to burn for heat. This method involves treating used oil so that it will
make a better fuel. Processing used oil is a widespread industry in the United States, making
one of the advantages of this method its availability. (There are almost 200 processors around
the country.) Another advantage is that processing improves the burning quality of used oil,
allowing it to be burned by a greater number of burning facilities.
• Direct burning of used oil for heat. This method burns used oil without processing it first to
remove contaminants. The major advantage is that it allows the heat value of used oil to be
utilized without the expense of processing the used oil before burning. Facilities that generate
large amounts of used oil find this method to be the most desirable. Therefore, direct burning
is a readily available option for generators. However, this is the least environmentally friendly
of the recycling options, since the used oil can only be reused once.
Mixing
Used oil may be mixed with diesel fuel, provided the diesel is not contaminated with a hazardous
waste. If used oil is mixed with hazardous waste, it will likely have to be managed as a hazardous
waste. Since most other fuels are hazardous wastes, and hazardous waste disposal is a lengthy,
costly, and strict regulatory process, it is generally recommended not to mix anything with used
oil that is to be recycled. Most used oil transporters will not pick up used oil if it has been mixed
with other fuels. Many recyclers or burners also accept used oil mixed with diesel; however, you
should check with your recycling facility prior to mixing.
Additional Information
Publications:
Environmental Regulations and Technology: Managing Used Motor Oil, EPA/625/R-94-010,
December 1994
Managing Used Oil: Advice for Small Businesses, EPA 530-F-96-004, November 1996
How Can I Transport Used Oil? Fact Sheet
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What Are The Used Oil Mixing Requirements? Fact Sheet
How Should I Store Used Oil? Fact Sheet
What Should I Do With Used Oil Filters? Fact Sheet
Contacts: Re-refineries: Evergreen Oil at (714) 757-7770 and Safety Kleen at (847) 468-2576.
American Petroleum Institute: (202) 682-8000.
General information regarding the EPA -http://www.epa.gov.
Used Oil Hotline (RCRA/Superfund/UST) at 1-800-424-9346.
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