Rose Foundation keeps billions of litres of hazardous used motor oil out of environment

The Rose Foundation's efforts to recycle oil in South Africa have played a crucial role in helping create environmental sustainability.

More than 1.5 billion litres of hazardous used motor oil have been kept out of the environment thanks to the foundation's initiatives.

The foundation was established proactively by major lubricant manufacturers and distributors in South Africa in 1994 and is celebrating 30 years of successful oil recycling. Recycling used oil has more recently become mandatory through legislation, and the Foundation works closely with the government to drive responsible practices in managing used lubricating oil.

Clarence Ford is joined by Bubele Nyiba, the CEO of the Rose Foundation, to discuss the benefits of responsible recycling of used lubricating oil...

Approximately 300 million litres of new lubricant oil is sold in South Africa each year.  Lubricant oil, used in machinery and motor vehicles to reduce friction, loses its effectiveness over time and must be removed Some of this oil is lost during use in machinery and vehicles, but approximately half of this can be retrieved and recycled. Collecting the used oil helps to prevent environmental contamination.

The Rose Foundation's CEO Bubele Nyiba emphasises that the organisation's role is pivotal  in ensuring this used oil does not harm the environment.

'ROSE' stands for Recycling Oil Saves the Environment. The foundation's efforts to collect and process used oil are critical, given the millions of litres requiring attention each year. Nyiba highlights the dedication of collectors who travel in all weathers, even during the COVID pandemic, to workshops, mines and factories to collect used oil. These collectors are celebrated as environmental heroes essential to the foundation's success.

Lubricant oil, used in machinery and motor vehicles to reduce friction, loses its effectiveness over time and must be removed. The foundation collects around 50% of the annual 350 million litres used in vehicles and machines. This helps prevent environmental contamination.

The old oil collected is repurposed in various ways, such as mixing with black ink for printing or repurposed as heating fuel in furnaces and kilns. Importantly it is also refined into new oil, supporting a circular economy.

Used motor lubricating oil must not be confused with cooking oil. Although very different, cooking oil also needs proper disposal. While plant-based and more environmentally friendly, it poses challenges if not managed correctly. The formal industry has established collection systems for cooking oil from restaurants, though household collection remains less structured. The ROSE Foundation does not manage the recycling of cooking oil. It is supported by the lubricants industry to drive the recycling of used motor oil.

The Rose Foundation, a nonprofit supported by lubricant producers, accredits and trains collectors to handle used oil safely. It provides financial incentives to collectors and processors and oversees recycling. This ensures used oil is managed effectively, and reduces environmental hazards.

To join the recycling business, individuals can contact the Rose Foundation for guidance and support. The foundation offers training and resources to help new collectors enter the industry and adhere to proper practices.

The Rose Foundation is vital in promoting responsible oil recycling in South Africa. Its efforts ensure significant environmental harm is prevented, and valuable resources are repurposed, making it a cornerstone of South Africa's oil recycling efforts. Visit Rose Foundations official website for more info by clicking here!