Guidelines for Used Oil Collection Handling, and Storage under EPR Framework

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued new guidelines to establish a framework for the safe and environmentally sound management of used oil. These guidelines were published on January 9, 2025.

These guidelines, focused on Collection Agents operating under the Used Oil Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, cover collection, handling, transportation, and storage practices.

Key Objectives and Responsibilities

The primary objective of these guidelines is to provide standardized practices and regulatory requirements for Collection Agents handling used oil from industrial, commercial, and automotive facilities. Under the EPR framework, as notified under the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2023, Collection Agents are responsible for:

1. Safe collection of used oil from generators, including bulk generators.
2. Supplying the collected used oil to registered recyclers in accordance with the rules.
3. Complying with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) (HOWM) Rules, 2016, as used oil is classified as hazardous waste. This includes maintaining records, implementing spill prevention measures, and ensuring traceability of materials.
4. Transporting used oil using registered vehicles.
5. Ensuring authorized collection facilities are equipped with spill containment systems.
6. Storing used oil according to these guidelines and providing it only to registered Recyclers or Producers.
7. Registering on the portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and providing details about their operations, including collection capacity, vehicle types, storage facilities, and arrangements for transferring used oil.
8. Filing quarterly and annual returns through the CPCB portal.

Categorization of Collection Agents

The guidelines categorize Collection Agents based on their size, transport methods, and operational levels:

• Collection Agent Level-1 (CA-1): Agents involved solely in the collection and transportation of used oil, without storage facilities.
• Collection Agent Level-2 (CA-2): Agents involved in collection, storage, and transportation, equipped with adequate storage facilities.

Regulatory Compliance and Facilitation

Collection Agents must comply with existing environmental regulations, including:

1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974.
2. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981.
3. The Environment Protection Act of 1986.

The EPR framework also outlines the roles of Municipalities and Local Bodies, which are tasked with facilitating the establishment of used oil collection points in their areas. These collected oils can then be auctioned or sold to authorized recyclers. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) are also expected to facilitate the setup of collection points by the collection agents.