Used motor oil is one of the largest sources of household hazardous waste. Every year, millions of gallons of used oil are improperly disposed of and end up contaminating the environment. However, automotive oil recycling programs are helping to reduce this pollution and conserve valuable resources.
What is automotive oil?
Automotive oil, also known as engine oil or motor oil, is essential for the proper functioning and protection of internal combustion engines. It works as a lubricant to reduce friction between closely fitted metal parts, reduces wear and protects engines from heat and corrosion. Modern vehicles require an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles depending on driving conditions and the type of oil used. During an oil change, the used oil is drained out and replaced with fresh oil.
Why recycle used oil?
Used motor oil is a complex mixture of base oils, additives and contaminants accumulated during the engine's operation. If disposed of improperly by dumping down storm drains or on the ground, this oil can contaminate soil and water sources. Just one quart of used oil can pollute up to 2 million gallons of fresh water. Recycling used oil ensures it is processed and re-refined safely instead of entering the waste stream. It also conserve natural resources because recycled oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oils and other products.
How is used oil collected?
Most Automotive Oil Recycling shops, gas stations, auto parts stores and household hazardous waste facilities accept used oil for recycling. Do-It-Yourself oil changers can also pour their used oil into special recycling containers usually labelled "Used Oil." In many areas, curbside recycling programs have been established to collect used oil in separate containers along with other recyclables. Municipal household hazardous waste collection events are another convenient way for residents to properly dispose of their used motor oil.
What happens after collection?
Once collected, used oil is transported to certified recycling facilities. There, it undergoes a series of processes to remove contaminants and prepare it for re-refining. Any water and sediment is separated out, then the oil is filtered and may undergo distillation to further purify it. The re-refined used oil meets or exceeds quality specs for new lubricating oils. It can then be blended with crude oil or other feedstock and undergo the same refining steps as new oil. The end products include new lubricating oils, gasoline components, fuel oil, asphalt and more.
Benefits of automotive oil recycling
Recycling used oil provides important environmental and economic benefits:
- It prevents oil from contaminating land and water sources if disposed of improperly down storm drains or dumped on the ground. Used oil contains toxic substances that are hazardous to ecosystems and public health.
- Conserves valuable resources. Re-refining used oil into new lubricating oil reduces the need for producing oil from crude. On average, it takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce 2.5 quarts of new lubricating oil, but recycling 1 gallon of used oil saves 1.5 gallons of crude oil from being extracted.
- Saves energy. It takes less energy to produce new oil from previously used lubricants than extracting and transporting crude oil. It's estimated that recycling saves over 1 million barrels of crude oil per day in the United States.
- Creates green jobs. The collection, transportation and re-refining of used oil employs many workers at facilities across the country.
The future of automotive oil recycling
As awareness of used oil recycling increases, the amount of oil being collected for re-refining continues rising each year. However, there is still room for growth. Improving collection programs, expanding drop-off options and promoting the importance of proper disposal can further boost recycling rates. Advancements in re-refining technology also allow production of higher quality base oils from used lubricants. If these trends continue, automotive oil recycling will play an even greater role in conserving natural resources and protecting the environment for future generations.
Automotive oil recycling benefits both the environment and economy. By ensuring used motor oil is collected and processed safely, it prevents pollution while also reducing demand for new crude oil. As the process becomes more efficient, recycling will provide an increasingly sustainable solution for maintaining the viability of internal combustion engines far into the future. With continued support, oil recycling programs can further grow and help mitigate humanity's impact on the planet.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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