Oil Recycling Key Terms

Learn about standards and methods for recycling use oil

Oil recycling is a process of taking used oil and re-refining it to produce a new, usable product. Almost any type of oil can be recycled including motor oil, petroleum and vegetable-based oils. There are a number of oil recycling methods used in the industry. The type of recycling method used is determined by the quality of the used oil and what impurities will need to be removed. Oil recycling for vehicle motors can also take place inside the engine with sophisticated filter systems.

 

Re-refining

Recycled oil goes through a process of re-refining in order to be used again in boilers, kilns and small heating systems. The re-refining process is similar to the process of crude oil refining.
Try: The California Integrated Waste Management Board provides facts and statistics about re-refined oil and why it is good to use.

American Petroleum Institute

The American Petroleum Institute is an organization that monitors environmental and safety issues within the oil and natural gas industry. The organization also provides standards for procedures and processes throughout the industry.
Try: The American Petroleum Institute provides a webpage to learn more about used oil recycling, where it can be recycled and the process used to create a new product.

Certified collection center

A certified collection center is a place where used oil can be taken to be recycled and made into new products. More than 30,000 collection centers exist in the United States.
Try: Castrol USA provides tips on collecting used oil and a way to find the nearest certified collection center.

Used oil

Used oil is defined as any lubricating fluids removed from vehicles, airplanes, ships and any other large machinery that uses an internal combustion engine. Oil can also be categorized as used if, during the refining process, crude oil becomes contaminated.
Try: SynLube provides a definition of used oil, why it is hazardous to the environment and common oil recycling processes.

Engine oil by-pass filter

An engine oil by-pass filter is a tool used in heavy machinery and other vehicles to recycle oil right at the source. An engine oil by-pass filter allows oil to be cleaned and recycled back into the system.
Try: The N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance provides a detailed explanation of how engine oil by-pass filters work in heavy duty vehicles.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency provides used oil management standards to regulate the handling of used oil and oil conservation for businesses.
Try: The Environmental Protection Agency has more information on used oil, how to recycle it and the EPA management standards at its website.

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