Any synthetic or petroleum-based oil that cannot perform its intended purpose is referred to as waste oil. Though waste oil does not always contain hazardous materials, it can be challenging to determine if it is hazardous. That's why proper disposal of waste oil is critical to avoid exposure to certain risks.
Before disposing of your waste oil from your processing company, don't forget that you can recycle or refine it for various uses. But if you don't plan on doing this, you should use the correct disposal methods. Below are some great tips to help you in waste oil collection and disposal:
1. Find Ideal Containers for Storage
The first step in ensuring the safe disposal of waste oil is to store it properly. The best way to store the oil is using the original containers they came in when purchasing them. After pouring in the oil, you must close the containers tightly to prevent leakage and label them clearly to avoid confusion with other products. It is also advisable to avoid using containers that had paint or other chemicals in them since the chemicals can contaminate the waste oil, making it difficult to recycle or reuse.
2. Store the Waste Oil Safely
Most companies don't dispose of the waste oil immediately they are done using it. Therefore, it is crucial to find a safe waste oil collection area. Ensure the storage spot is inaccessible to unauthorised persons, especially children. Moreover, you should not put the containers next to new oil without labelling them as this can confuse your workers.
3. Understand the Type of Oil You Are Handling
You should handle different types of waste oil differently. Therefore, it necessary to find out the kind of oil you are dealing with before disposing of it. That way, you can use the proper disposal method. For instance, you can dispose of some waste oils safely by burning, while others may expose you to serious risks when burned. Sometimes, it is necessary to work with experienced waste oil collection specialists to ensure your safety. That is because the experts understand the proper methods to use for different oil types.
4. Avoid Pouring Waste Oil Down the Drain
The worst mistake you can make is pouring your waste oil down the drains. When put in the drains, the oil might solidify and clog your drainage system, causing severe plumbing issues. In the end, you will have to spend additional money on plumbing repairs.
If you are unsure of the proper way to handle waste oil, it's best to hire professionals. Waste oil collection companies know the proper techniques to handle and dispose of contaminated waste oil. More importantly, they know how to identify waste oil that can be refined and recycled for other uses.