B.C. Oil Recycling Program Expands

B.C.’s lubricating oil recycling program is being expanded to include used oil filters and empty oil containers. According to Water, Land and Air Protection Minister Joyce Murray, the measures will protect the environment and create jobs. “Government has worked with industry to expand the stewardship program for used lubricating oil filters and oil containers to ensure these products are disposed of in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner,” Murray said.

Product stewardship programs allow products to be collected and recycled at the end of their lifecycle. In B.C. they include programs for paint, scrap tires, lead-acid batteries, oil, household wastes, pharmaceuticals and beverage containers.

The expanded oil product stewardship program will be funded by brand-owners and consumers and managed by the British Columbia Used Oil Management Association, a non-profit organization led by the industry. Through the expansion, used oil recovery is expected to increase from the current 46 million litres to 64 million litres, oil filters from two million to 5.6 million, and empty oil containers from 300,000 kilograms to 1.8 million kilograms.

The program will boost the recycling of used lubricating oil, filters and containers of 30 litres or less by individuals and small industrial consumers by creating financial incentives and increasing access to industry-operated collection facilities.

Environment handling charges collected when the products are sold will be used by the association to set up and operate recycling facilities and pay for collection and processing. “The British Columbia Used Oil Management Association stewardship program is patterned on successful programs that have been operating in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba since 1997,” said Rick Voyer, association interim chairman.