Information on Oil Waste Products

Different types of oils are used daily around the world, such as crude oils and synthetic motor oils as well as plant-produced oils and more. Many people do not realize how important it is to recycle oil products or how to dispose of oil waste products safely.

History

• The first motor oil was invented in 1909 by Charles Wakefield.

  Over the past 200 years, there has been more oil waste produced worldwide than at any other time in history. Public awareness relating to oil disposal safety methods has increased in the past several decades.

Considerations

• Oil refineries recycle oil waste to be used as new products, thus conserving natural resources.

  Motor oil from boats, cars, farm equipment, lawnmowers and trucks can all be recycled. A single motor oil change can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water, if disposed of improperly. If everyone in the U.S. recycled motor oil, it would save 1.3 million barrels of oil daily.

Effects

• Drain pipes from a building to the sewerage area can be blocked by oil waste.

  Used cooking oils and other oil waste that are accumulated around the home and work environment should not be poured down a drain. Pouring oil waste down a drain can cause solid oil build up inside the drain pipes, blocking the drain and requiring repair.