The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on January 09, 2025, issued Guidelines for Collection, Handling, Transportation and Storage of Used Oil by Collection Agent under Used Oil Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework.
This guideline will provide the framework for the safe and environmentally sound handling, storage and transportation of used oil by Collection Agents including regulatory requirements, standardized practices, minimal requisite facilities for collection, transportation and storage facilities.
The key highlights are as stated:
• Role and Responsibility of Collection Agents
o The Collection Agents shall ensure compliance with the environmental regulations, maintain records of receipt and transfer of used oil, implement safety measures to prevent spills and leaks.
o They shall transport used oil using registered vehicles, maintaining detailed records and ensuring traceability of material handled. At authorized collection facilities, the used oil shall be equipped with spill containment systems to prevent contamination.
o Collection agents shall store the used oil by adhering to these guidelines and shall provide the stored used oil only to the registered Recyclers or Producers.
o The collection agents are required to register on the portal developed by the Central Pollution Control Board and shall provide the details on collection capacity, type of vehicles, storage facility, arrangement for handing over of used oil to registered Recycler/Producer, etc. They are also required to file quarterly and annual returns through portal.
• Categorization of Collection Agent
Based on the size of operation, type of transport, levels of operations, the collection agents have been categorized as below:
o Collection Agent Level-l (CA-l): Collection agent involved in only collection and transportation of used oil, without storage facility.
o Collection Agent Level-2 (CA-2): Collection agent involved in collection, storage and transportation of used oil, with adequate storage facility.
• Consent and Authorization
o Collection agent (CA-2) shall obtain Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate from the concerned SPCB/ PCC before registering on the EPR portal to set up/operate storage facility or collection points for used oil.
o Collection agents (CA-2) required to obtain authofization under HOWM Rules, 2016 from concerned SPCB/ PCC prior to registration on the used oil EPR portal.
o Collection Agent-1 (CA-1) shall self-register on EPR portal with validation from SPCB IPCC.
o Collection agents (CA-2) are required to register on EPR Portal for Used Oil Management.
• Record & Returns Filling
o The Collection agents shall maintain record on type and quantity of used oil collected, stored and transferred for recycling, recovery, pre-processing, co-processing and utilisation of such wastes and make these records available for audit.
o AII registered Collection agents shall file quarterly returns on the portal on or before the end of the month succeeding the quarter to which the returns relate.
o All registered Collection agents shall file annual returns on the portal on or before 30th June following the financial year to which that return relates.
The filing of the above returns/records pertaining to CA-l may be ensured by associated CA-2 I recycler.
• Storage of used oil:
Minimal requisite facilities required for storing the used oil:
o There shall be a designated space for unloading of Used oils in to a storage tank. The receiving storage tank shall be placed above the ground and contained with low raise parapet/bund wall with proper slope to collect spillages, if any, into a collection pit.
o Storage sheds shall have a proper slope and seepage collection pit to collect seepage and floor washing. The collected seepage and floor washing shall be refilled in the Used oil tanks. Dry adsorbents or cotton should be used for cleaning instead of water, which will be disposed of to authorized hazardous waste TSDF.
o If collection agent involved in collection and storage of used oil generated from industries, automotive, transformer, etc. then separate storage container may be provided for different type of used oil based on source of generation. Minimum two storage tank required. One for regular used Oil and the other for used transformer Oil.
o The unloading, storage, transfer and handling of Used oils in the storage area shall be carried out through dedicated mechanical transfer pump with fixed pipeline in closed system. Manual handling shall be limited.
o CA-2 may store the used oil for a period not exceeding 90 days.
o Minimum of 01 meter clear space should be left between two adjacent rows of drums in pair for inspection.
