Fuel from waste oil is another step towards being declassified as a waste as a consultation on the quality of its production opens this week.
Industry views are being sought on the processes and regulations that preside its production.
The consultation is part of the Quality Protocols programme managed by the Environment Agency (EA) and the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP). This aims to change the image of recovered and recycled products and dispel concerns that they are low quality.
Currently, such fuel is classed as a waste so anyone using it needs to meet Waste Incineration Directive emissions standards.
However, the Quality Protocol for the production and use of processed fuel oil (PFO) from waste lubricating oil sets standards processed lubricating oils must meet to be considered a fully recovered material. Once the protocol is approved, recovered fuel oils that meet requirements will avoid regulatory controls that apply to the handling, transport and application of waste.
EA head of environment protection external programmes Martin Brocklehurst said: Compliance with the Protocol should ensure the continued protection of the environment while 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.
Imaage: Commercial waste oil finds a second recovered life as fuel.
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