The storage of used industrial oil is a critical phase in its management, as it is a hazardous waste with a high polluting potential. After use, the oil contains toxic compounds such as chlorine, sulfur, zinc or heavy metals such as lead or cadmium. If improperly burned or discharged into the environment, it can generate harmful gases or contaminate large areas of soil and water: just one liter can damage up to 4,000 m². Correct handling at source is therefore key to avoiding environmental risks and ensuring an efficient circular economy.
Used industrial oil: a waste regulated by environmental regulations
Spanish legislation, through Law 7/2022 Law 7/2022 and Royal Decree 679/2006requires manufacturers, importers and producers of used industrial oil to ensure its collection, storage and proper treatment. In addition, generators must be registered as hazardous waste producers with the environmental authority of their autonomous community.
Compliance with these regulations guarantees that used oil is treated under safe conditions, recovering its value as a raw material and avoiding negative impacts on the environment.
How to accumulate and store used industrial oil
Once extracted, the oil should be deposited in suitable containers, perfectly closed and labeled. These containers should not be mixed with other waste or liquids and should be located in accessible areas for later collection.
One of the most important aspects for a correct accumulation is the use of retention tanks, watertight systems that collect possible leaks or spills. By regulation, it must be accumulated in an approved double-layer tank or on a retention bucket with a capacity equal to or greater than the container where the oil is being accumulated. This system acts as a safety and prevention measure, especially in sensitive or exposed areas.
The Royal Decree 656/2017, which regulates the storage of chemical products, establishes that these bins must be built with materials compatible with the waste, such as polyethylene or steel, and must be maintained in good condition, recovering immediately if they lose watertightness.
We facilitate your safe storage with a wide range of approved tanks and retention basins. We have high-density polyethylene (HDPE) solutions and double-walled, leak-detecting tanks that are ideal for regulatory compliance. From nestable bins for IBCs to compact models for drums, our systems ensure safety, durability and legal compliance.
Proper management of the storage area also includes regular cleaning, monitoring for possible leaks and the use of clear signage to avoid errors or confusion during handling.
Handing over to an authorized manager: an essential step
Once safely stored, used industrial oil must be collected by an authorized manager. At Cator we have more than 30 years of experience in the collection and treatment of this hazardous waste, guaranteeing a traceable, legal and environmentally friendly process. We take care of scheduling the collection according to the client’s needs, ensuring that the waste arrives at our regeneration plant in Alcover without risk.
In addition, we offer advice and documentary support to facilitate smooth regulatory compliance for workshops and industries.
Key prohibitions you should be aware of
The legislation also stipulates what must never be done with used oil: pouring it on the ground, into water networks or sewage systems, or treating it in a way that causes polluting emissions. Any malpractice at this stage can result in financial penalties and irreversible damage to the environment.
To store well is to start regenerating
The correct storage of used industrial oil is not only a legal obligation, but also an opportunity to initiate a circular process. circular process. Every liter well managed is a resource that can be returned to the productive cycle as a regenerated base oilavoiding the extraction of new raw materials.
We have been regenerating used industrial oil for more than 30 years with the highest environmental commitment. If you need help with your storage system or want to guarantee a management in compliance with the regulations, please contact us.
