SEPA publishes new guidance for waste oils
12 July 2010
New guidance on the production of fuel oils from recycled waste,
published today by Scotland's environment watchdog, means that fuel
oils that meet the correct specification will no longer be
regulated as waste.
The 'Production of processed fuel oil from waste' guidance
ensures there is consistency across Scotland, England, Wales and
Northern Ireland. It distinguishes between 'distillate oil
equivalents' (eg gas oil) and 'residual oil equivalents' (eg heavy
fuel oil) in the same way as British standard BS2869:2006 – Fuel
oils for agricultural, domestic and industrial engines and boilers.
It requires that the parameters set out in BS2869:2006 are met and
adds extra environmental parameters to ensure that there is no
greater risk to the environment or human health than a virgin
fuel.
Around 50,000 tonnes of waste lubricating oil enters the waste
stream each year in Scotland. Sulphur, chlorine and various metals
can be present in waste oil at elevated concentrations as a result
of the use of additives and through engine wear. These hazardous
wastes are required to be incinerated in special plants with strict
environmental controls.
However, with sufficient treatment, these and other oily wastes
may be processed into replacement fuels with similar environmental
performance to a virgin fuel. SEPA is hoping to encourage such high
quality processing, which means the subsequent storage, movement
and combustion of the product will not be subject to the
requirements of waste legislation, including the Waste Incineration
Directive.
In order for fuel oil processors to take advantage of this new
policy, they should contact SEPA and provide evidence of compliance
with the specification detailed in the new guidance. Processors and
users are not obliged to comply with these terms, but fuel oil
which does not meet the specification will remain classified as
waste.
Kenny Boag, SEPA's Head of Waste Policy, said:
"This is an important development for a problematic waste
stream. We hope it will encourage waste oil to be collected,
processed to a high standard and used to replace other virgin
fuels, thereby ensuring environmental protection and encouraging
re-manufacturing industries to derive value out of waste in the
economy. It provides a significant opportunity for the reprocessing
sector and contributes towards achieving a Zero waste Scotland.
SEPA wants to encourage high quality waste treatments which unlock
resource value whilst protecting the environment."
Ends
Notes to editor
SEPA's new guidance document 'Production
of processed fuel oil from waste' can be found here.