Everything you need to know about Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for used oil
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) means that companies importing or producing base oil or lubrication oil are responsible for ensuring that a certain amount of used oil is recycled, promoting sustainability. Producers, importers, and recyclers are accountable for the entire lifecycle of the oil they introduce into the market, from production to safe disposal.
Base Oil: Base oil is the primary ingredient in lubricants, derived from
refining crude oil or synthesized from other
sources. It is used to manufacture various oils for different applications, such as
hydraulic fluids for machinery
or transformer oils for heat transfer. After use, base oils become used or waste
oils, which must be handled safely,
reprocessed, or disposed of properly to protect the environment.
Lubrication Oil: Lubrication Oils are formulated by blending base oil, which
constitutes about 80% to 90% of the
total volume, with performance-enhancing additives, which make up the remaining 10%
to 20%. Additives improve
properties such as viscosity, oxidation resistance, corrosion protection, and
detergency. Lubrication oils are used
in vehicles and machinery to reduce friction between moving parts, thereby lowering
heat generation. Once used, they
become used or waste oil and require careful management, including reprocessing,
energy recovery, or safe disposal.
Used Oil: Used oil refers to oil that has been utilised in machines like
engines and gears. Instead of discarding
it, used oil can often be cleaned and reused if it meets specific government safety
standards, ensuring it is safe
for recycling.
The circular economy is a sustainable system that keeps resources in use through reuse, recycling, and regeneration. In the context of used/waste oil, it involves proper collection, re-refining, and reuse instead of disposal. Used oil is processed into high-quality base oil, reducing reliance on virgin crude oil, minimizing pollution, and supporting sustainable waste management through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Comprehensive Regulatory Assistance: End-to-end support for all used oil EPR
compliance requirements on the CPCB
portal, including registration, quarterly and annual return filing, target
calculation, EPR certificate transfers,
and customised regulatory solutions.
Used Oil Collection and Segregation Facilities: Assistance in establishing
responsible used oil management systems,
including collection, categorisation, and segregation of used oil.
Discounted BIS-Approved Testing Services: EOSA members benefit from exclusive
discounts on oil testing through our
partner facility accredited by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
Consortium-Based Collection Centre Development: Support in setting up and
accessing collection centres through a
consortium-based model to enable efficient used oil collection and ensure regulatory
compliance.
Guidance on EPR Certificate Trading: Expert guidance on meeting EPR targets
through used oil collection and
recycling, including support for trading EPR certificates at fair prices and
ensuring compliance through audits of
recycling facilities.
Networking Opportunities with Industry Stakeholders: Engage with key players
in the used oil ecosystem, including
manufacturers, recyclers, bulk generators, and collection agents.
Awareness Programs and Industry Insights: Access to educational resources
such as quarterly newsletters, awareness
campaigns, and advertisements focused on the EPR framework.
Technology Advancement in Recycling and Re-refining: Support in adopting
advanced technologies for recycling and
re-refining to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet quality standards.
The following entities must register on the CPCB-developed portal under their
respective categories:
-Manufacturers or importers of base oil, lubrication oil, or products made from base
oil must register as “Producers.”
-Recyclers of used oil must register as “Recyclers.”
-Importers of used oil must register as “Importers.”
-Used oil collection agents must register as “Collection Agents.”
A producer is any entity that manufactures, imports, or sells base oil or
lubrication oil under its brand. This includes:
-Domestic manufacturers
-Importers of base or lubrication oil
-Brand owners selling lubrication oil under their label
Moreover, in Used Oil EPR, CPCB has listed nine categories of producers (P-1 TO P-9)
who fall under the category 'Producer'
OEMs are not automatically considered producers unless they procure and sell lubrication oil under their own brand. If they do, they must comply with EPR regulations.
Enviro Oil Savers Association (EOSA) is a Section 8 not-for-profit organization that
supports producers, recyclers,
and stakeholders in meeting EPR compliance. EOSA offers:
-EPR Registration Assistance on the CPCB Portal
-Target Calculation and Application Support for compliance
-Collection and Segregation Services for used oil
-Discounted Used Oil Testing meeting BIS standards
-EPR Certificate Trading and Industry Representation
Entities must register under the appropriate category on the CPCB EPR portal:
Producers (Manufacturers/Importers of Base Oil or Lubricants)
Recyclers (Entities engaged in used oil re-refining)
Collection Agents (Authorized for used oil collection and transportation)
Used Oil Importers