Difference Between Waste Oil And Used Oil

December 8, 2023

The terms ‘waste oil’ and ‘used oil’ are often used interchangeably, but did you know that the two have distinct differences between them?

The main difference between used oil and waste oil is the level of contamination. Any oil that has been processed from synthetic or crude oil and has been polluted during usage is referred to as used oil. This could include:

• Motor oil
• Hydraulic oil
• Transmission fluid
• Compressor oil
• Cutting oil
• Coolant
  

Used oil can be contaminated with a variety of substances, including:

• Dirt
• Metal shavings
• Water
• Chemicals
  

On the other hand, waste oil is any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that, through contamination, has become unsuitable for its original purpose due to the presence of impurities or loss of original properties. This could include:

• Oil that has been mixed with a hazardous substance, such as cyanide
• Oil that has been spilled and collected with contaminated soil or water
• Oil that has been used in a process that produces hazardous waste
  

The biggest difference between waste oil and used oil is that waste oil is considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. Used oil, on the other hand, can be recycled or reused.

To make it easier to understand, here is a table summarising the key differences between used oil and waste oil:

It is important to note that there is some overlap between used oil and waste oil. For example, used oil that has been contaminated with a hazardous substance, such as antifreeze, would be considered waste oil.

Importance of recycling used oil

Recycling used oil is important for a number of reasons, including:

1. Environmental protection

Used oil is a hazardous waste that can pollute soil and water if not disposed of properly. Up to one million gallons of water can become contaminated by just one gallon of used oil. Recycling used oil helps to prevent this pollution from happening.

2. Resource conservation

Used oil can be re-refined into new oil, which saves on the need to extract and refine crude oil. This conserves natural resources and reduces the environmental impact of the oil industry.

3. Energy conservation

It takes less energy to re-refine used oil than to produce new oil from crude oil. This is because the crude oil has already been extracted, transported, and refined once.

4. Economic benefits

The used oil recycling industry creates jobs and generates revenue. Recycling used oil also helps to reduce the cost of new oil, which benefits consumers and businesses alike.

In addition to these general benefits, there are also some specific benefits to recycling different types of used oil. For example, recycling used cooking oil can help prevent grease buildup in sewer lines and septic systems. Recycling used motor oil can help to extend the life of engines and reduce emissions.

How To Start Recycling Used Oil

Here are some tips on how you can recycle used oil:

• Store used oil in an airtight, sanitary container
• Label the container clearly as ‘used oil’
• Take used oil to a local collection centre or recycling facility (or call us for collection)
• Recycle used oil filters as well
  

Many auto parts stores, service stations, and other businesses offer used oil recycling programs. By recycling used oil, you can help to protect the environment, conserve resources, and save energy.

Importance Of Disposing Of Waste Oil Correctly

Proper disposal of waste oil is important to protect the environment and human health. Waste oil is a hazardous waste that can pollute soil, water, and air if not disposed of properly.

When waste oil is poured down the drain or onto the ground, it can seep into soil and groundwater. This can contaminate drinking water supplies and harm aquatic life. Waste oil can also evaporate into the air, where it can contribute to smog and other air pollution problems.

Waste oil contains a number of harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Exposure to these chemicals can cause a variety of health problems, including cancer, reproductive problems, and neurological damage.

How to dispose of waste oil correctly

Here are some tips for storing and transporting waste oil:

• Store used oil in a hygienic, airtight container
• Label the container clearly as ‘waste oil’
• Make sure that kids and pets can't reach the container
• Transport waste oil carefully to avoid spills, or call us for collection

By disposing of waste oil correctly, you can help to protect the environment and human health.

Conclusion

If you are unsure whether a particular oil is used oil or waste oil, it is always best to err on the side of caution and treat it as waste oil. This will help to ensure that the oil is disposed of properly and does not pose a risk to the environment or human health.

If you are unsure of how to recycle or dispose of your used/waste oil, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. At GreenTec Energy, we aspire to educate businesses on the importance of recycling or disposing of their waste or used oil correctly. Like any responsible citizen, we want Singapore to be greener and safer for the generations to come.