Why are oils dangerous for the environment, what to do if you "overwork" yours?
Used engine oil is one of the most serious threats to the environment. It is dangerous if used incorrectly. Thus, its disposal is strictly controlled by Polish and European legislation, and failure to comply with the rules may result in arrest or a fine.
Stop because ... you face a fine!
What to do with used oil, where to return it, what should not be done with used engine oil under any circumstances? First of all, it should be noted that used oil is treated as waste. This is what it is called in the main decree governing the collection and disposal of all types of hazardous substances, that is, in the Waste Law of December 14, 2012. It defines used oils as:
"Any mineral or synthetic lubricating or industrial oils that are no longer suitable for the purpose for which they were originally intended, in particular used oils for internal combustion engines and gear oils, lubricating oils, turbine oils and hydraulic oils."
The same law strictly prohibits "dumping of waste oils into water, soil or land." Therefore, used, that is, used, old engine oil cannot be poured into water, soil, burned in furnaces or even burned, and also reused, for example, for servicing machines. What are the consequences of not complying with such a clearly defined prohibition? Seriously for everyone - people, animals, nature. Even worse, the consequences of such irresponsible behavior are visible not only in the present, but also “pay off” for generations. What dangers are we talking about?
- direct threat to the health and life of people and animals
- soil degradation and pollution
- pollution of water bodies and rivers, making drinking water unusable
- air pollution with harmful compounds
Old motor oil burnt in a furnace can kill residents of a home with faulty ventilation. It also makes no sense to reuse the oil, for example, for machine maintenance. Waste oil is a waste, i.e. it does not have its former properties and, when washed off by rain, it enters directly into the soil and then into groundwater.
Controlled disposal of engine oil
What does the said law say about the handling of used oils? In article 91 we read:
“2. First of all, it is necessary to regenerate used oils ”.
"3. If regeneration of used oils is not possible due to their degree of contamination, these oils should be subjected to other recovery processes. "
"4. If regeneration or other recovery processes of used oils are not possible, neutralization is allowed. "
As drivers, that is, ordinary owners of used engine oil, we cannot legally recycle and dispose of waste. However, this activity can be carried out by a person who has permission to conduct economic activities in the field of waste management. Such a company is, for example, an authorized service station, an authorized service center or a car workshop where we order an oil change. This is the best option, because by changing the engine oil, we get rid of the problem of storing waste waste. You can also hand over used engine oil for refueling, but this is associated with an additional fee and the need to keep track of waste.
Perhaps the environmental and legal disposal of used, i.e. dangerous and harmful, engine oil will induce us to replace it with authorized persons. May it be so.
However, if you've already run out of your oil and are looking for a new one, head over to avtotachki.com and add power to your engine!
