How to Recycle Oil and Why Your Small Business Should

When considering the most important tools for your small business, oil might not immediately come to mind. But since it can be used in everything from vehicles to manufacturing equipment, there’s a pretty good chance your businesses uses a fair amount of oil.

If that’s the case, then there may come a time when you need to dispose of some of that oil. And when you do, recycling can be a great option for your business. Here are some of the benefits of recycling oil as well as some tips for doing so.

Access to Re-Refined Oil

In some cases, used oil can actually be re-refined and then used again. This is the case with some types of motor oil. This means that the oil doesn’t have to go through a rigorous break-down process and then used in the manufacturing of other items. It can simply be cleaned and used again.

So by recycling oil, you’re giving companies access to the raw materials needed to make even more oil. This can limit the dependency on new oil sources and over time even impact the price of purchasing oil. In some cases, recycled oil can also be used in other items, which can lead to other cost saving benefits for businesses that purchase those items. But re-refined oil is one of the biggest examples.

Cleaner Land and Water

When people dispose of oil improperly, like dumping it down storm drains or just throwing it away with the rest of the trash, it can lead to major contamination issues. In fact, the EPA states that the oil from just one oil change can contaminate up to one million gallons of water.

So if you dispose of oil improperly, all the heavy metals and toxic chemicals can have a major negative impact on your local soil and water supply. Recycling ensures that those dangerous materials stay away, thus making your community a safer and healthier place.

Improved Public Image

Recycling in general can have a positive impact on your business’s public image. Consumers prefer doing business with companies that have positive environmental and social practices. And employees prefer working for those companies as well.

Specifically in the case of oil, if your business contaminated water or soil through the improper disposal of oil, it could lead to a major PR disaster, especially since there are laws in place to discourage the improper disposal of used oil.

The Role of Recycling Companies in Oil Disposal

Recycling oil isn’t just about small businesses taking individual responsibility. There’s a larger ecosystem of recycling companies and facilities dedicated to managing and repurposing used oil. Here’s a closer look at their role in the oil recycling process:

Collection and Aggregation: Recycling companies often have networks of collection points where businesses and individuals can drop off their used oil. These collection points could be local garages, auto shops, or dedicated recycling centers. The role of these facilities is to ensure the proper storage and transport of used oil to recycling facilities.Processing and Re-Refining: Once collected, used oil goes through a series of processes at recycling facilities. These processes involve removing contaminants and impurities, making the oil suitable for re-refining. Re-refining is a critical step where the used oil is transformed into a high-quality base oil that can be used in various applications, from lubricants to hydraulic fluids.Environmental Compliance: Recycling companies play a pivotal role in ensuring that the oil recycling process aligns with environmental regulations and standards. They must comply with strict guidelines to prevent pollution and environmental harm during the oil recycling journey.Supplying Recycled Products: After re-refining, the recycled oil can be used as a valuable resource in the production of various lubricants and industrial fluids. Recycling companies often supply these products to businesses, creating a sustainable cycle where used oil is transformed into new, usable resources.Educational Outreach: Recycling companies also contribute to educating businesses and individuals about the importance of responsible oil disposal and recycling. They often provide resources and information to raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling used oil.RoleDescriptionCollection and Aggregation- Establish collection points for used oil drop-off – Ensure proper storage and transportation of used oil to recycling facilitiesProcessing and Re-Refining- Conduct processes to remove contaminants and impurities from used oil – Transform used oil into high-quality base oil for various applicationsEnvironmental Compliance- Adhere to environmental regulations and standards during the recycling process – Prevent pollution and environmental harm throughout the oil recycling journeySupplying Recycled Products- Utilize recycled oil to produce lubricants and industrial fluids – Supply these products to businesses for various applicationsEducational Outreach- Raise awareness about responsible oil disposal and recycling – Provide information and resources to promote the environmental and economic benefits

Maximizing Oil Recycling Benefits for Your Small Business

While recycling oil is essential for environmental responsibility, there are additional ways your small business can maximize the benefits of this practice. Consider these strategies to make the most of your oil recycling efforts:

Implement Efficient Oil Use: Reduce the quantity of oil you need to dispose of by optimizing its usage. Implement regular maintenance schedules for machinery and vehicles to minimize oil wastage due to leaks or inefficiencies.Choose High-Quality Oil: Select high-quality oil products for your operations. Premium oils often have a longer lifespan and require less frequent changes, reducing the overall volume of used oil.Educate Your Team: Ensure that your employees are aware of the importance of responsible oil disposal. Provide training on proper handling, storage, and disposal procedures to minimize the risk of spills or contamination.Monitor Oil Consumption: Implement tracking systems to monitor oil consumption across your business. This data can help identify areas where oil use can be reduced or optimized, leading to cost savings.Explore Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local recycling companies, auto shops, or mechanic services that accept used oil. Establishing partnerships can streamline the oil disposal process and potentially provide cost-effective solutions for your business.Consider Alternative Fuels: Investigate alternative fuels or energy sources that align with your business operations. Some industries can transition to cleaner energy options, reducing their reliance on traditional oil-based fuels.Regularly Audit Recycling Practices: Conduct periodic audits of your oil recycling practices to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Regular assessments can help identify areas for improvement and prevent potential issues.Promote Sustainability: Showcase your commitment to sustainability in your marketing and communications. Highlight your responsible oil recycling efforts to attract environmentally conscious customers and enhance your brand reputation.

Navigating the Legal Aspects of Oil Recycling for Small Businesses

Properly recycling oil comes with legal responsibilities, and as a small business, it’s essential to navigate these aspects to avoid potential issues. Here are key legal considerations for oil recycling:

Environmental Regulations: Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local environmental regulations regarding oil disposal. Laws may vary depending on your location and the type of oil you handle. Ensure your business complies with these laws to prevent fines or legal repercussions.Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of your oil recycling activities. This includes documenting the quantity of oil disposed of, recycling methods used, and the names of recycling facilities or service providers. Accurate record-keeping can serve as evidence of your compliance with environmental regulations.Permits and Licenses: Determine if your business requires any permits or licenses related to oil recycling. Certain states or municipalities may mandate specific permits for handling used oil. Ensure your business obtains and maintains the necessary permits to operate legally.Training and Education: Train your employees in proper oil recycling procedures and safety measures. Ensure they are aware of legal requirements and understand their roles in compliance. Regularly update training to stay current with changing regulations.Transportation Regulations: If your business transports used oil to recycling facilities, adhere to transportation regulations for hazardous materials. This may involve specific packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties.Waste Disposal Contracts: If you work with third-party waste disposal or recycling companies, review contracts carefully. Ensure contracts specify the responsible party for legal compliance and that the chosen service provider adheres to all environmental regulations.Emergency Response Plans: Develop and implement emergency response plans in case of oil spills or accidents during transportation or recycling. Complying with these plans not only safeguards the environment but also demonstrates your commitment to legal responsibilities.Regular Audits and Inspections: Conduct regular internal audits and inspections to assess your compliance with oil recycling laws. Address any identified issues promptly to avoid potential legal consequences.Consult Legal Experts: Consider consulting legal experts or environmental attorneys who specialize in regulatory compliance. They can provide valuable guidance on navigating complex oil recycling laws and ensure your small business remains in legal compliance.Legal ConsiderationsDescriptionEnvironmental Regulations- Understand federal, state, and local environmental laws related to oil disposal – Ensure compliance with location-specific regulations and requirements to prevent legal issues and finesRecord Keeping- Maintain detailed records of oil recycling activities – Document quantities, recycling methods, and names of facilities or providers – Use records as evidence of environmental law compliancePermits and Licenses- Determine if permits or licenses are needed for oil recycling – Obtain and keep required permits up to date to operate legally – Compliance with state and local regulations is crucialTraining and Education- Train employees in proper oil recycling procedures and safety measures – Keep staff informed about legal requirements and compliance – Regularly update training to stay current with changing regulationsTransportation Regulations- If transporting used oil, adhere to hazardous materials transportation rules – Comply with packaging, labeling, and documentation requirements – Failure to follow these can lead to legal penaltiesWaste Disposal Contracts- Review contracts with waste disposal or recycling companies carefully – Specify the responsible party for legal compliance – Ensure service providers meet all environmental regulatory standardsEmergency Response Plans- Develop and implement emergency response plans for oil spills or accidents – Show commitment to legal responsibilities and environmental protection – Ensure efficient response to unforeseen incidentsRegular Audits and Inspections- Conduct internal audits and inspections to assess compliance with oil recycling laws – Address identified issues promptly to avoid legal consequences – Ensure continuous adherence to regulationsConsult Legal Experts- Consider seeking guidance from legal experts or environmental attorneys – Experts can provide valuable advice on navigating complex oil recycling laws – Ensure ongoing legal compliance and minimize risks

Maximizing Cost Efficiency in Oil Recycling

Efficient oil recycling not only benefits the environment but also your small business’s bottom line. Here are strategies to maximize cost efficiency in your oil recycling efforts:

Bulk Oil Purchasing: Consider buying oil in bulk to reduce per-unit costs. Purchasing larger quantities can lead to substantial cost savings over time. Ensure you have proper storage facilities to handle bulk oil safely.Regular Maintenance: Implement a stringent maintenance schedule for your machinery and vehicles. Regular maintenance extends the life of engines and equipment, reducing the frequency of oil changes. This, in turn, reduces the volume of used oil generated.Oil Analysis: Invest in oil analysis services to monitor the condition of your oil. By identifying oil that can still be used safely, you can extend oil change intervals, reducing waste and expenses.Efficient Oil Collection: Optimize your oil collection process to minimize spillage and waste. Use drip pans and other containment measures during oil changes to capture as much oil as possible for recycling.Re-Refined Oil: Explore the use of re-refined oil products in your machinery and vehicles. Re-refined oil is cost-competitive with virgin oil and often meets or exceeds industry standards for performance.Oil Recycling Partnerships: Collaborate with local recycling facilities or service providers to negotiate favorable pricing for oil recycling services. Building long-term relationships can lead to cost reductions and reliable disposal options.Employee Training: Ensure that your employees are well-trained in oil recycling best practices. Proper handling and disposal techniques can minimize waste and reduce the likelihood of spills or accidents that could incur additional costs.Reduce Oil Usage: Implement efficiency measures to reduce overall oil consumption. This may include upgrading equipment to more fuel-efficient models or optimizing operational processes to minimize oil usage.Tax Incentives: Research potential tax incentives or credits available for businesses engaged in responsible oil recycling and environmental conservation. These incentives can offset some recycling-related expenses.Market Your Efforts: Highlight your commitment to responsible oil recycling in your marketing and communication efforts. Some environmentally-conscious customers may choose your business over competitors, providing a competitive advantage.Audits and Reporting: Regularly assess your oil recycling program’s cost-effectiveness through audits and reporting. Identify areas where improvements can be made to further reduce costs and increase efficiency.

How to Recycle Oil

In the case of motor oil and filters, check with your local auto shop or supply store to see if they accept those materials. Jiffy Lube is one chain that recycles the oil it collects. And even if you change your own oil, some service centers will accept used oil from those who do their own oil changes.

You can also check to see if your local recycling center or curbside pickup service will accept filtered oil.

Mechanic Photo via Shutterstock