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Providing clarity to industry on how to turn used lubricating oils into non-waste fuel while still protecting the environment is the driving force behind a consultation launched this summer by the Environment Agency and WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).
The consultation, part of the Waste Protocols Project - a Defra-funded business resource efficiency activity – will seek views from industry on how waste lubricating oil is recovered and treated to be sold on as a cheaper alternative to virgin fossil fuels.
Recovered fuel oil varies in quality and is currently classed as waste. This means that businesses that use it need to comply with the emissions standards set out in the Waste Incineration Directive.
The Quality Protocol for the production and use of processed fuel oil (PFO) from waste lubricating oil sets out the standards processed lubricating oils must comply with to be considered a fully recovered material. Recovered fuel oils which meet the requirements of the protocol will no longer subject to the regulatory controls that apply to the handling, transport and application of waste.
Martin Brocklehurst, Head of Environment Protection External Programmes at the Environment Agency, said: “We have worked with industry, government departments and the Energy Institute to develop this Quality Protocol. Compliance with the Protocol should ensure the continued protection of the environment whilst clarifying the regulations for businesses that process waste lubricating oil. PFO users will be given the confidence that the new product derived from waste materials conforms to agreed quality standards.
“We are keen to hear the views of other stakeholders and hope to engage with a wide range of consultees.”
The consultation is open to any interested business or stakeholder group and will be available online until late October. To participate in the public consultation, visit: http://wloqp.dialoguebydesign.net.
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