Here's a comprehensive overview of the Used Oil Management System in India and the roles of MOEFCC, CPCB, SPCBs, and Municipal Corporations:

What is Used Oil?

Used oil refers to lubricating oil or hydraulic fluids that have been contaminated by impurities like:

• Dirt
• Water
• Metals
• Chemicals

Sources include:

• Automobiles and trucks
• Industrial machinery
• Generators
• Workshops and garages

If not managed properly, used oil poses serious threats:

• Soil and water contamination
• Toxic air emissions when burned improperly
• Health hazards for humans and animals

📜 Legal Framework

Used oil is classified as hazardous waste under:

• Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016
• Issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

It must be collected, transported, and processed only by authorized entities.

🔁 Key Concepts in Used Oil Management

1. Collection & Storage

• Collected from vehicle servicing centers, industries, and generators.
• Stored in leak-proof containers with proper labeling.

2. Transport

• Transported only through authorized transporters with proper tracking documentation (Form 10/6).

3. Re-refining / Recycling

• Used oil can be re-refined into base oil or used as industrial fuel.
• Must be processed in authorized recycling units with emission control systems.

🏛️ Roles of Key Institutions

1. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

• Policy & Legal Oversight
  • Notifies and updates the Hazardous Waste Management Rules.
  • Sets national goals and standards for used oil recycling and reuse.
  • Coordinates with international treaties like the Basel Convention.
  • Provides direction to CPCB and states on implementation.

2. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

• National Implementation & Monitoring
  • Develops guidelines for collection, storage, recycling, and disposal of used oil.
  • Maintains the national inventory of used oil generation and processing units.
  • Registers and monitors used oil re-refiners and bulk generators.
  • Tracks inter-state movement of used oil via the online tracking system.
  • Conducts inspections, audits, and enforcement actions.
  • Coordinates with SPCBs to compile annual reports.

3. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) / PCCs

• State-Level Regulation
  • Authorize recyclers, re-refiners, and transporters of used oil.
  • Approve storage, processing, and recycling sites.
  • Inspect collection centers, service stations, and recycling facilities.
  • Ensure hazardous waste manifest system (Form 10) is followed.
  • Take enforcement actions against illegal dumping or burning of used oil.

4. Municipal Corporations / Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)

• Local Level Facilitation
  • Though not directly responsible under hazardous waste rules, they:
    • Help identify unauthorized collection points.
    • Support in creating awareness among local vehicle service centers and small generators.
    • Facilitate coordination between informal collectors and authorized recyclers.
    • Prevent illegal dumping in drains or open areas through local enforcement.
    • Integrate used oil collection with city-level solid waste strategies, if applicable.

⚠️ Key Challenges

• Improper disposal into drains, open land, or water bodies.
• Lack of awareness among small generators and local garages.
• Dominance of informal collectors and unlicensed recyclers.
• Low compliance with manifest tracking and documentation.

✅ Way Forward

• Strengthen tracking systems using digital manifests and QR codes.
• Register and train informal collectors and small garages.
• Expand infrastructure for authorized recycling.
• Launch public awareness campaigns in collaboration with ULBs.
• Promote circular economy practices in oil use and reuse.