Used oil on South African farms can pollute the environment

Commercial farming relies heavily on technology and mechanisation – which in turn relies on the use of motor lubricant oils. It is estimated that South Africa generates an average of 120 million litres of used lubricant oil in a year with about 10 million litres of this being generated by the Agricultural sector.

By Craig Macaskill

Posted 2020-01-24

In Blog

Press release (edited)

Considering that one litre of used oil can contaminate one million litres of water this is a potentially devastating amount of used oil that, if not collected and recycled responsibly, could make its way into our environment.

“Conversion to more sustainable agricultural practice is necessary, both to preserve South Africa’s biodiversity and to ensure a future resource base,” says Bubele Nyiba, CEO of the ROSE Foundation (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) – a national non-profit organization funded by the major producers of lubricants to promote and encourage the environmentally responsible collection and recycling of used oils and related waste in Southern Africa.

The ROSE Foundation provides some practical tips on used oil management:

Proper collection of used oil for storage

Used oil must be drained into a clean container with a tight fitting lid, such as a re-usable combination drain pan/storage container. Used oil generators can also use a specially designed plastic ROSE Sumpy to collect used oil. Sumpy containers are available from most spares shops, garages and supermarkets.

Proper storage of used oil

Ensure that used oil is stored in a container with a secure lid so that it cannot spill out. Empty oil containers and drums make effective makeshift storage vessels for used oil, however, containers that previously held chemicals, such as cleaners, solvents, fuels, paint or bleach CANNOT be used.
Containers must always be clearly labelled “Used Motor Oil” and kept in a place that can be accessed by a used oil collection vehicle. A bund wall should be built around bulk used oil storage tanks so that in the event of a spill or leak, the used oil will be contained.
Containers holding used oil should ideally be stored under cover and away from heat or sources of ignition and they must be tightly sealed to protect them from rain water.
It is important to not mix used oil with other fluids such as antifreeze, transmission fluid, petrol, diesel etc. Mixing them may make them non-recyclable as well as very hazardous and flammable.

Proper removal of used oil

Contact a ROSE registered used oil collector who will come and take away your used oil for responsible recycling. Visit the ROSE Foundation website on www.rosefoundation.org.za, email [email protected] or call 021 448 7492 to find out who your nearest collector is.

“Recycling used oil allows us to continue to enjoy what many of us take for granted every day – clean, potable water,” concludes Nyiba.