Knowledge

When you change the oil in your car, what happens to the used oil? For many, the answer is simple it’s just thrown away. But did you know that used motor oil is one of the most commonly discarded pollutants in the world? Today, we’ll examine why recycling used motor oil is more important than ever for our environment, economy, and health.

In Australia, over 500 million litres of lubricating oil are sold annually, with approximately 250 million litres recoverable for recycling.

However, a significant portion of this used oil is improperly disposed of, leading to severe environmental consequences. When motor oil is disposed of improperly, it can cause serious environmental damage. A single gallon of used motor oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water, making it hazardous to wildlife, plants, and even our drinking water supplies.

Environmental effect of waste engine oil

1. Water Pollution

When used motor oil is dumped into drains, onto the ground, or into bodies of water, it can severely contaminate water supplies. Just one gallon of used motor oil can pollute up to one million gallons of freshwater. This pollution can:

• Form an oily layer on the surface of lakes and rivers, preventing oxygen from reaching aquatic life.
• Poison fish and other marine organisms, leading to population decline and ecosystem imbalances.
• Contaminate drinking water sources, making them unsafe for humans and animals.

Many cities and towns rely on clean groundwater and reservoirs for their water supply. When used oil leaks into the soil, it can seep down into underground water sources, making water treatment more difficult and expensive.

2. Soil Contamination

Used motor oil is full of toxic substances like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). When it is dumped on the ground, these chemicals seep into the soil, reducing its fertility and killing essential microorganisms. Contaminated soil can:

• Make it difficult for plants to grow, affecting agriculture and local vegetation.
• Introduce toxins into the food chain if crops absorb harmful chemicals.
• Persist for years, making land unusable for farming, construction, or wildlife habitats.

3. Harm to Wildlife

Improper disposal of motor oil can have devastating effects on animals, especially those living in or near water. When oil contaminates wetlands, rivers, and oceans, it can:

• Coat the feathers of birds, making it difficult for them to fly or regulate their body temperature, often leading to death.
• Poison marine life, as fish and shellfish absorb toxins from contaminated water.
• Disrupt food chains, as animals that consume contaminated water or prey can suffer from toxic buildup over time.

4. Air Pollution and Climate Change

Burning used motor oil releases dangerous airborne pollutants, including heavy metals and harmful gases, which can:

• Contribute to acid rain, which damages crops, forests, and buildings.
• Release carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming.
• Cause respiratory issues in humans, especially for those with asthma or lung conditions.

5. Waste and Resource Depletion

Throwing away used motor oil wastes a valuable resource that can be re-refined and reused. Instead of polluting the environment, recycling used oil can:

• Reduce the need for drilling and processing new crude oil, which helps conserve natural resources.
• Lower energy consumption, as refining used oil requires up to 70% less energy than producing new oil.
• Minimize landfill waste, as oil improperly discarded often ends up in waste sites, where it can slowly leak into the environment.

The dangers of improperly discarded motor oil don’t stop there. It’s not just the environment that suffers. Used motor oil contains harmful chemicals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. If this toxic waste is not handled correctly, it can pose severe health risks — from poisoning aquatic life to long-term effects on human health.

But there’s a solution. Recycling used motor oil not only protects the environment but also saves energy. Re-refining used oil requires up to 70% less energy than producing new oil from raw crude. In fact, for every gallon of oil recycled, you’re saving valuable resources, all while reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Recycling used motor oil is easy and efficient. After the oil is filtered to remove contaminants, it can be re-refined into new, high-quality lubricants. These oils are just as effective as new oil, and the recycling process itself is far less costly than creating oil from scratch.

The economic benefits don’t stop there. Recycling used motor oil creates jobs and stimulates local economies. Thousands of jobs are created in the recycling industry, from collection and processing to refining and distribution.
Recycling oil is not only good for the planet, but it’s also a cost-effective solution. Re-refined oil works just as well as virgin oil, and it helps keep our planet cleaner. Every oil change is an opportunity to make a difference.
Consumers can do their part too. Many cities and counciles have set up easy ways to dispose of used motor oil, from collection points to local recycling centers. By properly recycling used motor oil, we can ensure that it’s re-refined and reused, cutting down on the need for virgin oil.

In the end, recycling used motor oil is more than just a responsible choice — it’s a vital step towards a cleaner, healthier planet. From saving energy to protecting wildlife and reducing pollution, the benefits are clear.
So, the next time you change your oil, remember — recycling isn’t just good for your vehicle; it’s good for the world. Take the extra step, and make sure your used motor oil is recycled properly. Our planet depends on it.