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We, as motorists, get a rough ride from environmentalists, being blamed by some for the current levels of pollution in our environment. The emissions produced from our vehicles are immense. Most people, when asked "what are the emissions produced by a motor vehicle?" would say Carbon Dioxide or Carbon Monoxide or some other exhaust gas constituent; however there are many other emissions and waste products produced by the typical motor vehicle, the following are a few examples:
* Oil vapour from the engine breather system
* Fuel vapour from fuel tank breather pipes or vented fuel tank caps
* Oil from leaks e.g. sump
* Dust from braking systems
* Glycol from leaking cooling systems
* Brake fluid from leaking cylinders
* Etc.
This article aims to identify the importance of proper use and care of engine oil. The other areas of motor vehicle produced pollutants and waste products will be covered in future articles.
Engine oil is a pollutant:
Engine oil can have a disastrous effect on our environment, especially damaging to rivers, lakes and other water courses which then has a knock on effect to animals, birds, fish, etc and to our drinking water.
Oil damages river life including birds, fish and other wildlife. According to the Environment Agency it is one of the most commonly reported types of water pollution and causes more than a quarter of all water pollution incidents. Because of the way it spreads, even a small quantity can cause a lot of harm - a gallon (4.54 litres) of oil can completely cover a one acre lake. Used oil may have other hazardous properties, for example, used engine oil is classified as 'Carcinogenic' and should be handled and stored with care.
Most contamination from used engine oil is caused by the home mechanic / DIY'er carrying out a service on his or her vehicle; and not knowing what to do with the old oil, pours it down the drain. Not only is this bad for the environment it is also illegal, so what do you do with the old engine oil? Every year millions of litres of oil are needlessly dumped down the drain. "It's a problem of attitude," Dr. Crystal Allin told PINTO. "The average man or woman in the street sees used oil as a difficult disposal problem. We need to change that perception from 'disposal problem' to 'recycling opportunity'."
Heading a relaunched initiative - the Oil Care Campaign - Dr. Allin is tasked with raising oil recycling awareness and providing the facilities and infastructure to make recycling a practical reality.
Help is at hand! most local authorities have oil collection units at their local waste disposal centres. There is also a web site to help you locate your local collection unit or if you aren't on the web there is a free-phone help line number. Already there are over 1500 in place in the UK.
The oil collection scheme is called "OIL CARE" and can be contacted on 0800 663366 quoting your post code, alternatively find them on the web at
www.oilbankline.org.uk
Contamination of waste oil with other liquid wastes such as brake fluid, solvents, thinners and vegetable oils can cause problems for the recycling companies. Dr. Allin again: "The banks must be used for spent mineral oils only. As well as civic amenity sites, banks can be positioned in locations such as petrol filling stations." A special waste transfer document is required to permit the recycling company to collect the oil and enables the Environment Agency to track the quantities of oil being recycled. The current recycling process involves water removal and simple cleaning of the oil by heating. The resultant product is then used as a heating fuel. "There are rumblings in the industry that the European Union may force us to take the process further," warned Dr. Allin. "We may have to eventually recycle a proportion of waste oil right back to base oil."
Although the technology exists, re-refining waste oil is currently economically marginal. Whilst Germany is considered at the top of the tree in recycling terms, a recent European Court of Justice ruling deemed them not to be meeting their oil recycling obligations - a case that sent shock waves throughout other European countries. Approaches to encourage oil recycling worldwide vary; in some US states for instance you must demonstrate you have recycled used oil before you may again purchase virgin oil.
As Dr. Allin said: "That's OK as long as you know what to do with the oil. The Oil Care Campaign aims to ensure people are aware and have the facilities available to recycle easily."
The oil companies recognise that we are dealing with a finite resource and that oil recycling presents a technological opportunity.
Recycling is one area where we can make a real difference in extending that resource and protecting the environment. With good product stewardship and the pro-active work of our Campaign we intend to make significant steps forward.
Please Help The Environment - Dispose of your oil in a responsible manner.
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