Peter's Processing and Manufacturing Blog

Waste oil produced during commercial and industrial operations can cause significant harm to the environment. If the fluid is released indiscriminately, it will contaminate land and water resources. This could mean the loss of plant and animal life as well as harm to humans. Therefore, there are established rules for the correct disposal of waste oil. If your company produces a large amount of waste oil, consult a specialty company for recycling or safe disposal. In addition, you must ensure that the material is handled well within your premises before collection. One of the potential challenges that you might face with your stored waste oil is spills and subsequent environmental contamination. Here are essential tips for preventing accidents and potential legal problems due to irresponsible waste release.

Inspect Storage Containers

If your storage containers are not secure, the waste oil is likely to leak. Therefore, you must ensure that your units are suitable for use before pouring in the fluid. The right container should be designed and built for oil storage only. Avoid general containers intended for water or other fluids. You can acquire specialty vats from your waste oil collector. You should also check for signs of compromise, including dents, tears and holes. Never use an unsound container because the damage will likely spread once the oil is poured.

Prevent Container Damage

You should take precautions to prevent container damage during the storage period. If the container is affected while filled with oil, the outcome will be disastrous. Therefore, keep your containers in a secure location. Ensure that the area will not have traffic from vehicles or industrial equipment like forklifts. Also, keep the storage room locked to secure against vandals. Additionally, do not put anything other than waste oil in your container. Mixing different chemicals or fluids might cause a reaction, and the resulting compound might damage the container.

Monitor the Oil Volume

Spills can occur due to the careless filling of the storage containers. Therefore, you must monitor the volume of the waste oil. Make sure that the vats are not overfilled because this could lead to accidental spills during handling. In addition, make arrangements for the regular collection of the material to prevent excessive accumulation. Check with your waste oil recycling and disposal specialist on the best schedule for pickup, depending on your operations and rate of production. Finally, prepare for waste oil spill management by purchasing oil absorbent materials and keeping them on your business premises. 

Call a waste oil collection company for more information.