PPG8 - Safe Storage and Disposal of Used Oils
Oil is a highly visible form of pollution. It harms plants and animals, damages rivers, groundwaters and the soil, and can destroy natural habitats and drinking water supplies. It is the most commonly reported type of water pollution and causes over 16% of all pollution incidents annually.
Careless disposal of oil into drainage systems, onto land or to watercourses or groundwaters is an offence, and the person responsible may be prosecuted and fined if found guilty. Because of the way it spreads, even a small quantity of oil can cause a lot of harm, 10 litres of oil can completely cover the surface of a one-hectare lake.
Cleaning up oil pollution can be expensive and the Agencies have the power to recover the cost from the polluter. Used oil may have other hazardous properties; for example, used engine oil is classified as carcinogenic and should be handled and stored with care. Yet, with proper procedures and good practice many of the oil pollution incidents can easily be avoided.
Do not tip oil into any drains or onto land as this will result in the pollution of rivers and groundwater or cause land contamination. Do not burn waste oil on a bonfire as this pollutes the air.
