Used oil is exactly what its name implies: any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used. Oil keeps our cars, lawnmowers, and many other machines running smoothly. However, during normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals, can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time, the oil no longer performs well. Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to do the job correctly.

Inappropriate disposal Unfortunately, not all used motor oil is disposed of appropriately in Uganda. Used motor oil ends up in landfill when put into containers in household garbage bins and mechanic cut jerry cans. Inappropriate uses of used engine oil include pouring onto weeds, spraying on roads as a dust suppressant, cleaning tools and protecting timber posts and fences from termites. These practices are harmful because the used oil can then enter the soil and leach through to contaminate ground water.

Used oil from one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water — a years’ supply for 50 people! When handling used oil, be sure to take these key points into consideration:

• Used motor oil is insoluble, persistent, and can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
• It’s slow to degrade.
• It sticks to everything from beach sand to bird feathers.
• It’s a major source of oil contamination of waterways and can result in pollution of drinking water sources.

Recycling and reusing used motor oil is preferable to disposal and can provide great environmental benefits. Recycled used motor oil can be re-refined into new oil, processed into fuel oils, and used as raw materials for the petroleum industry.

Used oils such as engine lubrication oil, hydraulic fluids, and gear oils used in cars, bikes, or lawnmowers can pollute the environment if they are not recycled or disposed of properly. Used oil must be managed properly by local waste management authorities or automotive repair shops to prevent contaminating the environment. Used oil filters pose similar waste concerns. If properly drained, they can be safely recycled or disposed.

Some of the many reasons to reuse and recycle used oil include:

• Recycling used oil keeps it from polluting soil and water.
• Motor oil does not wear out—it just gets dirty—so recycling it saves a valuable resource.
• Less energy is required to produce a gallon of re-refined base stock than a base stock from crude oil.
• One gallon of used motor oil provides the same 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil as 42 gallons of crude oil.