Overview on globally applied used engine oil recycling technologies

Abstract

Due to the growing importance of environmental issues in modern society, the global economy has been compelled to refocus further towards eco-friendly, low-pollution technologies based on waste recycling. Furthermore, these technologies not only offer economic value to products at the end of their life cycle, but they have the ability to address the issue of inadequate waste storage in landfills. At the same time, given the growing trends in the number of vehicles, the demand for lubricants is also increasing, which involves the generation of larger and larger amounts of used engine oil. Being included in the category of hazardous waste, it requires management based on sustainable principles, and recycling is recommended as a preferred method of treatment, as it still has a high economic value. This article aims to present some of the technologies that have been effectively implemented on a global scale for the recycling of used engine oil, as well as a series of advantages that these processes present, both ecologically and from an economic perspective.