At EVTL India, our team boasts years of experience and extensive knowledge in environmental laws and EPR compliance in India. We specialize in guiding businesses through the intricate processes required to meet their EPR obligations. Our services include comprehensive desk-based research, meticulous documentation, and seamless coordination, ensuring our clients successfully navigate the regulatory landscape. For all your business needs related to environmental compliance, EVTL India serves as your one-stop solution.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of India has recently announced an amendment to the Hazardous Waste Management Rules, introducing new provisions for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) specifically for Used Oil. This amendment, effective from April 1, 2024, aims to regulate the management of waste oil produced by manufacturers, importers, and recyclers. This move follows the previous introduction of EPR for Tyre Waste in 2022, emphasizing the Indian government's commitment to environmental protection through efficient waste management.
Used oil, as defined under Rule 3 of the Hazardous Waste Management Rules of 2016, includes any oil derived from crude oil or synthetic mixtures that are suitable for reprocessing. This encompasses spent engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic oil, and others, provided they meet specific criteria outlined in Part A of Schedule V of the rules. Used oil does not include waste oil, which has different disposal requirements.
The introduction of EPR for Used Oil marks the fifth EPR policy in India, following those for E-Waste, Plastic Waste, Tyre Waste, and Battery Waste. This policy aims to enhance the management of used oil, promoting sustainable development and a circular economy. By enforcing EPR, the government ensures that all stakeholders, including producers, recyclers, collection agents, and importers, adhere to strict guidelines for the disposal and recycling of used oil.
This regulatory framework not only mitigates the environmental risks associated with improper disposal of used oil, such as soil and water contamination, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of re-refined oil. Additionally, EPR compliance drives the transition towards a circular economy by creating a systematic approach to managing waste oil, thereby conserving natural resources and reducing the dependency on crude oil. Through these measures, EPR for used oil plays a critical role in safeguarding environmental health while fostering sustainable industrial practices.
EPR registration for waste oil applies to:
Producers: selling base or lubrication oil within India.
Recyclers: engaged in the recycling of used oil.
Collection Agents: collecting waste oil and supplying it to registered recyclers.
Used Oil Importers: importing used oil for re-refining purposes.
Implementing EPR for used oil offers numerous environmental and economic benefits:
Reduces contamination by preventing toxic chemicals in used oil from polluting soil and water.
Helps lower greenhouse gas emissions by decreasing the demand for new oil through increased recycling efforts.
Contributes to slowing down global climate change by reducing the carbon footprint associated with oil production and disposal.
Supports the conservation of petroleum reserves by promoting the use of re-refined oil, thereby lowering the overall demand for crude oil.
Facilitates the transition towards a circular economy by ensuring that used oil is collected, processed, and reintroduced into the market.
Aligns with sustainable development goals by fostering eco-friendly industrial practices and reducing environmental impact.
Lowers energy consumption as refining used oil requires only a third of the energy needed to refine crude oil, resulting in cost savings for industries.
Ensures better management and regulation of used oil, providing a structured approach for dealing with industrial waste.
Establishes a clear framework for compliance, making producers, recyclers, and other stakeholders accountable for the proper handling of used oil.
Protects public health by minimizing the risks associated with improper disposal and handling of hazardous waste oil.
By implementing EPR authorization for used oil, industries can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and public health safety.
S No. | Sale of Base oil/Lubrication Oil (MTPA) | Registration Fees Amount (INR) |
---|---|---|
1 | > 1,00,000 MT | 10,00,000 |
2 | > 50,000 - 1,00,000 MT | 5,00,000 |
3 | > 10,000 - 50,000 MT | 2,00,000 |
4 | 5000-10000 MT | 50,000/- |
5 | < 5000 MT | 25,000 |
Stakeholders must fulfill specific responsibilities to comply with EPR regulations:
Producers must register for EPR through the CPCB portal, set up collection systems, and file regular returns.
Collection Agents must gather used oil from generators and supply it to recyclers or producers.
Recyclers must follow CPCB guidelines for recycling processes.
Importers must ensure that imported used oil is only used for re-refining and comply with all regulatory requirements.
The new amendment to the Hazardous Waste Management Rules mandates several responsibilities for various stakeholders involved in the production, collection, recycling, and import of used oil. Here are the key responsibilities for each group:
EPR Registration: must obtain EPR registration for used oil through the CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) portal.
EPR Targets: They are responsible for meeting their EPR targets, which are set based on the amount of lubrication or base oil sold.
Collection and Storage: Producers must arrange for the collection, transportation, and storage of used oil.
Contact Information: They need to provide contact details via their website or other means to facilitate the collection process.
Awareness Programs: Producers are required to spread awareness about used oil collection and recycling through various communication channels.
Record Keeping and Reporting: They must file annual and quarterly returns online, providing detailed reports on used oil generation and recycling.
Registration: agents need to register on the CPCB portal.
Collection and Supply: are responsible for collecting used oil from generators and supplying it to registered recyclers or producers.
Collection and Storage: Producers must arrange for the collection, transportation, and storage of used oil.
Compliance: that they comply with all regulatory requirements and report their activities accurately.
Record Keeping and Reporting: They must file annual and quarterly returns online, providing detailed reports on used oil generation and recycling.
Registration: must register on the CPCB portal and cannot engage with non-registered entities.
Recycling Processes: should adhere to the CPCB guidelines for recycling used oil.
Certification: issue EPR certificates to producers upon recycling used oil, detailing the quantity and compliance.
Reporting: must submit annual and quarterly reports on the recycling process to the CPCB.
Record Keeping and Reporting: They must file annual and quarterly returns online, providing detailed reports on used oil generation and recycling.
EPR Registration: of used oil must register on the CPCB portal.
EPR Targets: have an obligation to recycle 100% of the imported used oil from the previous year.
Usage Restriction: used oil should only be used for re-refining purposes. Non-compliance can result in cancellation of registration and legal action.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, stakeholders play a crucial role in the effective management of used oil, contributing to environmental sustainability and the efficient use of resources.
Complying with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for used oil involves a structured process that mandates various documentation at different stages. Here is a list of essential documents required for EPR compliance:
By maintaining these documents, businesses ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements for EPR compliance, facilitating a smooth and efficient process for managing used oil. This documentation not only helps in regulatory adherence but also supports the overarching goal of environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance for used oil is a multi-step process designed to ensure that producers, importers, collection agents, and recyclers manage used oil in an environmentally responsible manner. Here is an outline of the EPR compliance process for used oil:
The process of EPR compliance for used oil involves a comprehensive approach to managing used oil sustainably. It includes the registration of relevant stakeholders, setting and meeting EPR targets, ensuring proper collection and recycling, maintaining detailed records, undergoing regular audits, and paying environmental compensation for non-compliance. By adhering to these steps, stakeholders contribute to environmental protection and support the transition towards a circular economy.
Environmental compensation under EPR for used oil is a financial penalty imposed on entities failing to meet their EPR obligations. This includes non-registration, providing false information, or not recycling the mandated amount of used oil. The compensation is deposited into an escrow account managed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which uses these funds to collect, recycle, and dispose of uncollected and unrecycled used oil. Despite paying the compensation, entities must still fulfill their EPR targets. Successful compliance within a specified time can result in partial refunds of the compensation paid.
EVTL India provides expert guidance and comprehensive services for businesses navigating the EPR registration process for waste oil. With a deep understanding of regulatory requirements and a commitment to environmental sustainability, EVTL India ensures that your business complies with all necessary regulations, contributing to a greener future.
For more information on EPR registration and compliance, visit EVTL India's website or contact their support team. Together, we can achieve a sustainable and eco-friendly waste management system
It means the responsibility of a Producer (manufactures/ importer) of Base oil/ lubrication oil and Importer of used oil to meet the respective targets for recycling the used oil.
This is accomplished by purchasing Re-Refining or energy recovery certificates from registered recyclers, to ensure environmentally sound management of used oil under Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Second Amendment Rules, 2023.
Base oil is a primary component of lubricant oils, obtained from either crude oil during the refining process or from synthetic sources.
Further, Base oils are also used for production of oils suitable for transmitting force (hydraulic oils, etc.), and facilitating heat transfer (transformer oils, thermic fluids, etc) or surface cooling. After it intended use, these oils may become Used Oils or waste oils, that may require environmentally safe handling, re-refining, energy recovery or disposal.