Changes to Waste Oil

The Environment Agency have announced that significant changes are to apply to the status and the recovery options for waste oil.

From 28 December 2005 all businesses that produce waste oils should be aware that the environmental standards for using waste oils as fuel are being tightened to reduce harmful emissions. It is unlikely that current users of waste oils will be able to meet the more stringent standards so the market will change which could result in producers needing to pay more to get rid of it.

All businesses have a Duty of Care to make sure that the waste it produces is properly stored, and described correctly so that it can be handled safely and disposed of in the appropriate way. Tipping oil down a drain or burning it at an uncontrolled site are both offences and could lead to fines of £20,000 or more.

To be sure that you stay legal follow these guidelines:

• Store oil in a container with a bund that could hold 110 per cent of the liquid in the tank.
• Use a registered waste carrier to collect your waste oil. You should ask to see their certificate or phone the Environment Agency on 0870 506506 and ask for a waste carrier check.
• Waste oil is hazardous and all producers must register with us. Your waste contractor could help you to do this.
• There are strict requirements for disposing of hazardous waste. When the waste oil leaves your premises it will have to be described on a hazardous waste consignment note.

The Environment Agency oil care campaign has more information on storing and disposing of oil safely:

EA Oil care campaign