The Waste Act is cleaning up the environment by systematically making industry sectors responsible for managing the waste the produce, and the construction industry is no exception. Besides building and demolition waste, the construction industry needs to take responsibility for other waste streams such as used oil.

Used lubricant oil, a common by-product of mechanised processes in the construction and earth moving industry, contains harmful compounds and carcinogens and is regarded as hazardous waste. One litre of used oil can contaminate one million litres of water; It is classified as a hazardous waste and is strictly governed by environmental laws contained in the Waste Act.

The ROSE Foundation (Recycling Oil Saves the Environment) offer the following advice to used oil generators in the construction sector:

The proper collection and storage of used oil

Used oil finds its way into our water table through disposal in drains and storm water drains and by being poured directly onto the ground as either a dust suppressant or as a means of disposal. 

To prevent this, insist that anyone who services or repairs construction machinery drains the used oil into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a reusable combination drain pan/storage container. Use a specially designed plastic Sumpy or container to collect and store your used oil. 

Ensure that used oil is stored in a clearly marked container with a secure lid to prevent leaking or water getting into the container. Empty oil containers and drums make effective makeshift storage vessels for used oil, however, NOT containers that previously held chemicals, such as cleaners, solvents, fuels, paint or bleach. Ensure that used oil is not mixed with other fluids such as antifreeze, transmission fluid, petrol, diesel etc. as mixing them may make them non-recyclable as well as very hazardous and flammable.

These containers must be kept in a place that can be accessed by a ROSE registered used oil collector, and the surrounding area must be kept clear and clean - ideally stored under cover (also protects them from rain water) and away from heat or sources of ignition. 

Build a bund wall around your bulk used oil storage tanks so that in the event of a spill or leak, the used oil will be contained. In the event of an oil spill, contact your used oil collector.

The removal of used oil for responsible recycling

“Once properly gathered and stored, used oil generators are urged to contact a ROSE registered oil collector who will come and remove the oil and take it away to be recycled in an environmentally compliant and safe manner. Your collector must always issue you with a safe disposal certificate which is now required by law under the Waste Act,” says Bubele Nyiba, CEO of ROSE.

“This safe disposal certificate issued by ROSE registered collectors also acts as a Hazardous Waste Manifest, thereby fulfilling the requirements of reporting by law, the same information can be used on SAWIS.”

Nyiba explains the Hazardous Waste Manifest and registering on SAWIS:

20kg used lubrication oil per day must be registered on SAWIS

“In short if you generate in excess of 20kg of used oil per day, you are required to register on the South African Waste Information System (SAWIS).”

Once registered, the generators need to submit their figures every 90 days (quarterly) into the SAWIS. The information needs to be based on actual volumes and not estimates.

The following information needs to be submitted and retained by the waste generator for five years, to be produced for inspection required:

• The month and year to which the information applies;
• Category of waste; HW07 Waste Oils 01 Waste oil
• Source from which waste comes
• The quantity of waste reported in tons.

Hazardous waste generators are required to have a Waste Manifest with every load

As used oil is a hazardous waste, generators are required to maintain the below information on a Hazardous Waste Manifest, a document that will track the used oil from cradle to grave and offer a clear snapshot on how it has been managed.

A unique consignment identification number in the form of a bar code; 

The generator’s contact details, including the contact person, physical and postal address, phone and fax number and email address; 

• The physical address of the site where the waste was generated; 
• An emergency contact number; 
• The origin/source of the waste (how it was generated); 
• A description of the waste (waste classification and waste category)
• The physical nature / consistency of the waste (liquid, solid, sludge; pump-able, non-pump-able);
• The quantity of waste; 
• Packaging (bulk, small containers, tank); 
• Transport type (tanker, truck, container); 
• Special handling instructions; 
• The date of collection / dispatch; 
• The intended receiver (waste manager). 

“As mentioned above, the safe disposal certificate issued by ROSE registered collectors acts as a Hazardous Waste Manifest, thereby fulfilling the requirements of reporting by law.”

For more information visit http://sawic.environment.gov.za/

For more information and to find out about a registered used oil collector contact the ROSE Foundation on (021) 448 7492 or visit www.rosefoundation.org.za.