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5 Key Facts About Waste Oil Collection in Denver, CO

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:00:45 GMT

Waste oil collection in Denver, CO , is crucial for both businesses and the environment. Whether you're running an auto shop, restaurant, or industrial facility, understanding the regulations and the best practices for managing waste oil is essential. Below are five key things you might not know about the waste oil collection process in Denver.

1. Local Regulations Affect Waste Oil Collection in Denver, CO

Waste oil collection in Denver, CO, is regulated by both federal and local laws. The EPA has national guidelines for used oil disposal, but Denver also has stricter local rules to ensure safe handling and disposal. These local regulations govern how waste oil should be stored, transported, and disposed of. Business owners and residents need to ensure they comply with both sets of rules to avoid hefty fines and prevent environmental harm.

2. Proper Waste Oil Collection in Denver, CO, Is Crucial for the Environment

When it comes to waste oil, improper disposal can lead to severe environmental damage. In Denver, used oil can contaminate soil and water systems, affecting local wildlife and ecosystems. Fortunately, waste oil collection in Denver, CO, is a simple and environmentally responsible process. By recycling used oil , you help reduce pollution and contribute to Denver's sustainability efforts. It’s a win for both your business and the environment.

3. Waste Oil Pickup in Denver, CO, Is Available for Local Businesses

If you’re running a business that generates waste oil, you can take advantage of professional waste oil pickup. Whether you’re in the automotive industry, food service, or manufacturing, there are reliable services that can help you dispose of your waste oil in compliance with local regulations. With scheduled pickups, businesses can stay compliant without worrying about handling the waste themselves. This service helps streamline waste oil collection and reduces the burden on business owners.

4. Incentives for Waste Oil Collection and Recycling in Denver, CO

Denver encourages businesses and residents to recycle their waste oil by offering various incentives. These might include reduced fees for oil collection or discounts on other waste management services. By choosing to recycle waste oil, you not only contribute to environmental protection but may also benefit from these cost-saving incentives. It's a great opportunity to save money while doing your part to support a greener Denver.

5. Professional Waste Oil Pickup in Denver, CO, Simplifies Compliance

Waste oil pickup is made easier with the help of professional services. These services ensure that your oil is properly handled and transported to a certified recycling facility. With experts handling the disposal, business owners don’t have to worry about navigating complex regulations or risking fines for improper disposal. Using a waste oil collection service makes it easy to stay compliant while reducing your environmental footprint.

Ensure Compliance with Waste Oil Collection in Denver, CO – Contact Us Today!

If you're ready to streamline your waste oil disposal process and ensure full compliance with local regulations, contact Denver Oil, Inc today for reliable waste oil pickup in Denver, CO. Our team is here to help you stay green and compliant with ease.

Environmental Impact of Waste Oil: 5 Reasons Why Collection Matters in Denver, CO

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 11:21:44 GMT

Waste oil is a significant environmental concern that affects communities across the United States, including Denver, CO. Improper disposal of waste oil can lead to severe environmental damage, threatening local ecosystems and public health. As residents become more environmentally conscious, understanding the importance of waste oil collection is essential. Here are five compelling reasons why waste oil collection matters in Denver, CO, and how Denver Oil can help.

1. Protecting Water Sources

One of the most critical reasons for waste oil collection in Denver is to protect local water sources. When waste oil is improperly disposed of, it can seep into the ground and contaminate water supplies. This pollution can affect drinking water, wildlife habitats, and recreational areas. By utilizing a waste oil collection company in Denver, CO , such as Denver Oil, you can ensure that your used oil is disposed of responsibly, keeping our water clean and safe.

2. Reducing Soil Contamination

Improper disposal of waste oil not only threatens water sources but also poses a risk to soil quality. Oil spills can lead to long-lasting contamination, affecting plant growth and soil health. This can have dire consequences for local agriculture and ecosystems. Waste oil collection helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that oil is collected and processed properly. Denver Oil specializes in waste oil pickup in Denver, CO , making it easier for residents and businesses to do their part in protecting the environment.

3. Supporting Sustainable Practices

Collecting waste oil is a crucial step towards sustainable waste management. By participating in waste oil collection programs, residents can contribute to recycling efforts that reduce the need for new oil extraction. Waste oil can be re-refined into lubricants or used as an alternative fuel source. Supporting a waste oil collection company in Denver, CO not only helps the environment but also promotes sustainable practices within the community. At Denver Oil, we are committed to providing efficient and environmentally friendly waste oil collection services.

4. Complying with Regulations

In Denver, as in many parts of the country, there are regulations governing the disposal of waste oil. Improper disposal can lead to fines and legal issues for individuals and businesses. By engaging a professional waste oil collection service, you can ensure compliance with local and state regulations. Denver Oil offers comprehensive waste oil pickup services, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your waste oil is being handled according to the law.

5. Raising Environmental Awareness

Participating in waste oil collection initiatives can raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection in Denver. When residents see their neighbors engaging in responsible waste management, it fosters a culture of environmental consciousness. Denver Oil actively promotes community involvement and education regarding waste oil disposal and its environmental impacts. By choosing our waste oil collection services in Denver, CO , you become part of a larger movement dedicated to preserving our natural resources.

Conclusion

The environmental impact of waste oil cannot be underestimated. By prioritizing waste oil collection in Denver, CO, residents can protect their water sources, reduce soil contamination, support sustainable practices, comply with regulations, and raise awareness about environmental issues. If you’re looking for a reliable waste oil collection company in Denver, CO , look no further than Denver Oil. Our team is dedicated to providing safe and efficient waste oil pickup services that benefit both you and the environment.

For more information about our waste oil collection services, or to schedule a pickup, call us today at 303-974-6699 or visit our contact page . Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment!

What Are the Risks of Neglecting to Recycle Waste Oil?

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 16:01:13 GMT

When you change the oil in your car, you can set the used oil on the side of the road for collection from city waste management workers. However, businesses that create a lot of waste oil, need to be more proactive about recycling waste oil. If you don't, you could face many consequences, including legal fines. If you want to know more, check out these four risks of neglecting to recycle waste oil.

1. Legal Consequences for Improper Disposal/Storage

Waste oil is considered hazardous waste. Therefore, the EPA and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) have strict guidelines on how to properly store, transport, and dispose of waste oil. Failure to comply with these guidelines could lead to fines and jail time.

First, you need to have the proper permit to treat, store, or dispose of waste oil. If you don't have the permit, you could face five years in jail and penalties of $50,000 or more for each day of the violation. If you do have a permit but violated it, the jail time may be reduced to two years, but the fine is not reduced.

If the courts can prove you knowingly endangered people, the jail time may increase to 15 years, and the fine can skyrocket up to one million dollars. In addition, if you tried to hide your actions with RCRA false statements and altering/destroying/concealing records, you could face more fines and jail time.

2. Increased Risk of Fire Due to Improper Storage

Oil is a combustible liquid, which differs from a flammable liquid. Flammable liquids catch fire immediately when in contact with an ignition source. Oil burns at a higher temperature than flammable liquids, but if a fire starts, improperly stored waste oil could add fuel to the fire, causing it to grow hotter and spread farther. This increases the risk of injuries to your employees and damage to the building.

3. Health Concerns From Exposure

If you store the waste oil improperly, you could be putting your employees and yourself at risk of health issues. These health issues can affect employee performance, but as employees get sick from exposure, they are more likely to file workers' compensation claims.

Short-term exposure to waste oil could cause memory loss, irritability, nausea, headaches, chest pain, fatigue, rashes, eye sores, and confusion. All these make a terrible work environment, but exposure can also affect the employees long after they've left.

In one study , seven years after an oil spill, workers still had low platelet counts, low hemoglobin levels, trouble breathing, lung issues, and liver issues. Above all, however, research has shown that long-term exposure to exposure to lots of oil does increase the risk of certain cancers, such as mesothelioma, skin cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer.

4. Environmental Issues From Improper Disposal

When you don't recycle your waste oil properly, it can end up in the environment, and this can lead to many problems. There are two major ways waste oil harms the environment. First, it can get into groundwater.

Contaminated groundwater can cause problems with drinking wells, but if the contaminated water reaches rivers or lakes, it could spread even farther, increasing the risk of health problems for both humans and animals.

Second, burning used oil to dispose of it expels harmful toxins into the atmosphere, affecting the very air humans and animals breathe. In addition, these corrosive toxins can destroy the ozone and worsen global warming.

Your business needs oil to survive, but you need to make sure to recycle it properly. Improper disposal and storage could lead to major financial consequences and health issues. If you would like to know more about oil recycling, contact us at Denver Oil today.

How Does Recycling Waste Oil Save Money for Your Business?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:06:42 GMT

You can easily understand the environmental benefits of choosing to recycle oil. While fully closed-loop industrial processes are rarely possible, recycling waste materials is one way to get closer to this goal. Keeping your company's waste products out of the environment is a critical part of being an upstanding member of the business community, and your waste will eventually find reuse elsewhere.

However, environmental concerns won't keep your company's bottom line from sinking into the red. The good news is that recycling your waste oil is also an excellent financial decision. Keep reading to learn about three ways that recycling waste oil will save money, reduce risk, and potentially improve your company's financial future.

1. Reducing Your On-Site Storage

Federal regulations govern used oil products' storage, management, and transportation. These regulations cover a wide range of used oil types and apply to everything from industrial machine oil to automotive motor oils. If your business works with natural or synthetic oil of any kind, your business likely qualifies as a used oil "generator" under these regulations.

The EPA and Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) regulate how generators should store and dispose of used oil and similar products. These regulations require specific storage methods and equipment, which can be costly in terms of both capital investment and ongoing labor expenses.

Working with a recycling company that can schedule routine pick-up service will reduce the amount of on-site storage required at your facility or facilities. Since you'll be keeping less oil on-site, you won't need to spend as much time or money dealing with ongoing storage management. Likewise, you can save money by reducing the human resources needed to keep your storage site clean and safe.

2. Mitigating Spill and Contamination Risk

Regulatory agencies typically consider oil spills to be substantial environmental disasters, even when they occur on a relatively small scale. The more oil you store on-site, the more likely you will suffer a spill. Likewise, other disasters, such as fires or floods, can put your oil storage facilities at greater risk, ultimately increasing the costs you'll face to resolve these issues.

While every spill is unique, oil spills tend to have a considerable cost per ton compared to other hazardous materials. As a result, even a relatively minor spill can lead to expensive clean-up efforts and environmental remediation efforts in addition to fines or other penalties that regulatory agencies may levy for improper storage.

Routinely recycling your used oil will substantially reduce your risk of a spill from the used oil you store on-site. Even if your company does experience an incident, the overall cost and extent of the damage are likely to be lower since you'll have less used oil stored on site. Mitigating these risks can lead to significant cost savings over the long term.

3. Creating Closed Loop Business Relationships

If your business uses burner fuel for your furnaces, generators, or boilers, you can potentially develop a closed-loop relationship with a local recycling company. Your old oil moves off-site, where it's filtered, cleaned, and tested before beginning a new life as a burner fuel. Utilizing used oil in this way allows your business to save money on energy input costs and your used waste storage and handling expenses.

Creating a closed-loop relationship with a local recycling company is also an excellent way to develop ties with your local business community. Partnerships like this can pay off over the long run, making it easier for you to grow your business as your energy or waste recycling needs increase over time.

Denver Oil is ready to help you save money and create a cleaner, brighter future for your company. Give us a call if you're ready to develop a partnership to help your company save money, reduce risk, and develop closer ties with the local business community.

How to Dispose of Your Car's Old Coolant

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 19:41:51 GMT

Coolant or antifreeze is an essential fluid for your car, which keeps it running in cold and hot weather. Antifreeze keeps the water in your car's radiator and engine from freezing during cold weather. When it is hot, the fluid keeps the water in your engine and radiator cool, ensuring your car doesn't overheat during the hot summer months.

While you need to change your car's antifreeze regularly, you must take caution when disposing of the hazardous, old antifreeze. Follow the tips below on how to dispose of your car's old coolant safely.

Check the Quality of Your Coolant

The quality of your coolant determines whether you need to dispose of it and how to dispose of it. Used or diluted antifreeze often has heavy metals; therefore, disposal calls for extra caution.

Antifreeze has a bright color and a sweet smell. But, when tainted, the fluid has a dark color and a strong smell and may have an oily film.

Drain Tainted Antifreeze

You must take precautions when draining contaminated coolant from your car. So before you start, keep your pets away, as they may want to taste the sweet-smelling liquid. Put on gloves to ensure your skin does not come into contact with the chemical, and wear a mask.

Also, park the car on a level surface and use a large enough container to avoid spills. When flushing the coolant from your vehicle, use a different drain pan and funnel from the one you use to replenish your car's antifreeze. Store the antifreeze in an old antifreeze container.

Make sure you seal the container in which you store the contaminated fluid. Sealing the container ensures you do not spill the hazardous fluid during transportation. Also, label the storage container and indicate the date you drained the coolant and the brand of the coolant. Also, indicate the gas or oil contaminants in the antifreeze on the label.

Clean Up Spills

If you accidentally spill coolant on the ground as you drain it from your car, clean up the spill immediately. Wear gloves and a mask before you start cleaning, and ventilate the area if you are indoors. Pour absorbent material like baking soda or sand over the spill, then cover the area with paper towels.

After a few hours, pick up the absorbent material with paper towels, ensuring you leave no trace behind, and throw it in the trash. Wash your hands, then scrub the area with soap to remove any stains left by the spill. Maintain proper ventilation to ensure the spot dries and no smell remains.

Find a Recycling Center Near You

Chances are you have a recycling center near you that collects coolant for recycling. A Google search will quickly reveal the nearest recycling and hazardous waste disposal center in your area. You can also search the website of your local Department of Waste Management for a listing of recycling centers.

Also, websites like Earth 911 will provide you with information on the nearest recycling centers when you type in your zip code and fill in coolant as the waste you want to dispose of. Once you find a suitable recycling center, contact them for information on how to proceed.

Bring the container with the antifreeze to the facility. But, if you want to recycle a large amount of coolant, work with a company that provides used oil pickup services. After you dispose of the antifreeze at the recycling facility, you get a receipt to show the area where you delivered the waste product.

At Denver Oil, we pick up your liquid and petroleum-based waste and deliver it to a recycling facility of your choice. Contact us today for safe and efficient waste pickup services.

4 Reasons to Use Recycled Wastewater and Oil in Your Business

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 17:20:56 GMT

In today's technologically advanced world, the success of your business can be an uphill task without the proper steps. However, the success of your business almost always depends on using materials sparingly while maximizing their benefits.

For instance, when oil is recycled and reused, it's a sure-fire consideration for producing biodiesel fuels that are clean, safe, and also help reduce pollution. At the same time, recycling used oil and wastewater minimizes carbon dioxide emissions, which also reduces air pollution. Below are reasons why using recycled oil and wastewater is essential.

1. Cutting Down Expensive Costs During Water Shortages

Running a large or small business demands a continuous availability of water. Unfortunately, a slight lack of water can be the reason for unpredictable losses. Whether your business deals with electronics or food processing, you'll likely always need water for continuous production.

For example, you'll need water to produce chips used daily in computers, automobiles, and cell phones in the semiconductor manufacturing business. In this business, you'll use water known as ultrapure water.

During these processes, the water here removes impurities from different materials, such as silicon wafers. On top of that, waste is also an essential commodity in industries such as oil production, paper mills, and automobile cooling systems.

Also, water is a raw material in producing and extracting oil contents and products in petrochemicals and refineries. As a result, recycling wastewater helps automobile and other electronic-based businesses make more products without hassles, especially when there are shortages.

2. Improving Business Sustainability

In business terms, sustainability means staying focused on meeting the present needs of your business without adversely affecting the ability of such a company in the future.

In a nutshell, business sustainability means ensuring the business operates positively on its economic, environmental, and social components. For example, during wastewater screening treatments, the aim is to remove large items from valves, pumps, and equipment.

On top of that, a screening wastewater treatment screens out extensive contents from getting into sewer systems and pipes, keeping such systems in their best conditions for a long time. This way, recycling wastewater helps increase the lifespan of different equipment, thus increasing their sustainability.

3. Reducing the Daily Need for Fresh Oil and Water Supplies

Almost every business demands a constant fresh oil and water supply. If, for example, you're in the agricultural industry, you probably need a large amount of water daily. Similarly, if you're in the automotive business, you'll need a larger daily oil supply. Luckily, recycled and treated wastewater can relieve the stress of demanding freshwater and oil daily.

Recycled oil and wastewater reduce the expensive costs of digging groundwater and reservoirs. Also, you won't need to search for underground oil, which is also automatically expensive than recycling used oil.

4. It Reduces the Costs of Transporting Oil and Water

When you don't have readily available water and oil onsite, you'll likely spend more money transporting them to your business site. However, with recycled wastewater and oil onsite, you'll automatically reduce the transportation costs of these commodities.

The Best Way to Benefit From Recycled Oil and Wastewater

If you're a small business, lack the proper recycling equipment, or have a tight budget, it can be challenging to benefit from recycled oil and wastewater. However, working with professionals from an oil and wastewater recycling company will help reduce these expenses and will likely help you profit from these commodities without hassles.

At Denver Oil, you'll always find recycled oil. Contact us today for used oil services, especially if you're in the automotive, metalwork, or manufacturing industries. We look forward to providing you with a quality customer service experience.

How to Collect Motor Oil to Recycle

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 17:18:59 GMT

How to Collect Motor Oil to Recycle

United States citizens improperly get rid of a significant amount of used motor oil. One gallon of used motor oil can contaminate about a million gallons of drinking water. For that reason, you need to follow appropriate guidelines to collect motor oil and have a reputable oil recycler.

First, you have to gather the right tools to collect oil from your automobile. You'll need at least three containers, an oil filter, a funnel, a screwdriver, and the right-sized spanners. Additionally, you should follow the appropriate procedure for the safety of your premises and compliance with standards.

Before you change the motor oil, turn your engine off, block the tires, and then set the parking brake.

Warm the Engine

Motor oil becomes less viscous when you warm the engine and flows out quickly and easily. Additionally, less-used oil sticks to the wall pans and other engine parts. Be careful of the engine temperature to avoid accidental burns. To warm up the engine:

Apply the handbrake and then leave the car in neutral
Run the car for about five minutes
Shut off the engine

Drain the Oil

Use a container that can hold twice the amount of oil in your engine's crankcase. After that, follow these steps:

Put a container beneath the oil drain plug. Position it in a way that can allow it to collect all of the oil and avoid spillage
Use a spanner to loosen the drain plug's bolt and then remove the plug from its place
Let the oil drain from your car until its speed reduces to an occasional drip
Replace the plug and carefully carry the container to a suitable transfer location
Use a paper towel to clean any stray drips

Transfer the Dirty Oil

You need to transfer the oil to an airtight, leak-proof container to enhance environmental and human safety. You should also avoid containers that previously held household chemicals such as pesticide, antifreeze, or bleach since they can contaminate the oil. Follow the procedure below to transfer the oil:

Use a funnel to pour the oil into a clean container
Seal the container
Label the container

Use terms that are easy to remember. For instance, 'to be recycled oil' or 'dirty oil.'

If you accidentally contaminate the oil when you transfer it, take it to hazardous waste collectors for disposal. Dirty oil contaminated with gasoline or antifreeze is almost impossible to recycle and should be carefully disposed of. Do not put dirty oil in your trash can with other garbage.

Drain the Filter

Follow these steps to drain your filter:

Use a spanner to loosen the filter and remove it from its position
Puncture the dome of your filter using a screwdriver
Put the filter hole-side down and let it drain into a vessel overnight
Place the old filter in a container or plastic bag and replace it with a new one

To change the filter, follow the instructions indicated below and on top of it.

Take the Used Motor Oil and Oil Filters to a Service Company

Find the right service to recycle your motor oil and filters. Used oil may have particles, but that does not make it impossible to recycle. As long as you have not mixed the oil with other fluids, recycling should be fine.

Do not dispose of used motor oil as inappropriate disposal harms the environment and economy. Instead, ensure you work with a company with extensive experience and in-depth expertise to handle the oil based on set regulations.

Conclusion

If you run a business that largely deals with used motor oil, you do not have to worry about the high volume of used oil your business generates. At Denver Oil , we recycle your used oil responsibly.

What Are the Benefits of Recycling Oil Filters?

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 18:48:54 GMT

What Are the Benefits of Recycling Oil Filters?

Recycling oil filters is just as important as recycling used oil. Unfortunately, many people often prioritize recycling used oil and opt to dispose of oil filters as waste. However, disposing of oil filters may have severe economic, environmental, and safety repercussions. Disposing of oil filters is a huge concern when dealing with commercial and industrial enterprises that require frequent oil and filter changes.

Understand some essential benefits of recycling used oil filters.

Committing to Environmental Conservation

Used oil filters pose huge environmental hazards when disposed of as waste. First, they contain used oil that can contaminate water bodies and compromise the marine ecosystem. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that mishandling used oil can contaminate up to one million gallons of water .

Such contamination may have repercussions for both plants and animals. Moreover, used oil contains toxic chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals like lead, zinc, and copper, which can be harmful when people or animals ingest them.

Disposing of used oil filters also poses unnecessary pressure on landfills. Large industries require frequent oil filter changes and thus generate a lot of waste. Thus, the replaced oil filters should be recycled instead of placing them in dumpsters.

Remember, used oil and oil filters degrade slowly and thus will remain in landfills for a long time. Such outcomes may be avoidable by replacing used oil filters and storing them for collection by oil recycling companies.

Committing to Workplace Safety

Incorrectly handled oil filters pose severe safety concerns in the workplace. The most imminent safety concern entails slips and falls. Workers should refrain from leaving used oil filters on the floor because unsuspecting passersby may slip and fall, sustaining bone fractures or concussions.

Moreover, replaced oil filters should go into a designated container with proper storage to avoid oil spills. Remember, oil is insolvent in water; thus, flushing the oil spills with water may not eliminate the hazard. Thus, workers are better off storing the used oil filters appropriately until they go out for recycling.

Used oil filters may also pose health risks with incorrect handling. Used oils contain inorganic arsenic compounds that the World Health Organization classifies as carcinogenic. Oil filters lying around at the workplace predispose employees and visitors to touch them. They may later ingest the chemicals unknowingly. Whereas one-time visitors may not face severe health risks, the situation may be different for employees exposed over long periods such as several years.

Mitigate the identified health and safety hazards by recycling oil filters. Industries planning large-scale oil filter changes may schedule collection dates with their service companies ahead of time. Contacting the service company before beginning maintenance ensures that the used oil filters are collected within a short period, which reduces the chances of prolonged exposure and spills.

Adopting Cost-Saving Strategies

Recycling used oil filters has numerous cost-saving benefits. First, draining and recycling the oil in the filters is more cost-efficient than refining crude oil. EPA confirmed that producing a gallon of oil from recycled base stock is less expensive than from virgin crude oil. The disparity in production costs is because the oil's composition is often not compromised during use except for dirt and debris.

Used oil filters also contain scrap metal that can be useful in producing steel to meet industrial demand. Like used oil, recycling scrap metal into reusable steel is less expensive than producing it from iron ores. Thus, industries can recycle their oil filters and purchase steel at lower prices, reducing production costs.

Outsourcing Recycling Services

Businesses should identify companies in their area that offer reliable oil filter recycling services. Clients considering oil filter recycling may contact Denver Oil for reliable services. We include collection services as part of the package for our clients' convenience. Call today.

7 Tips for Choosing an Oil Recycling Company

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 18:58:16 GMT

7 Tips for Choosing an Oil Recycling Company

Every individual and company needs to play their part in conserving the environment. Start by taking care of the environment around you, however small. If you deal with significant amounts of oil, consider these tips when choosing an oil recycling company.

1. Years of Experience

Check the number of years an oil recycling company has been active or in business. Always select a company that has more years of experience. With many years of experience usually comes excellent customer service and efficient oil recycling.

2. Customer Service

Select a company that values its customers, such as a company that understands the importance of ensuring a customer is satisfied with the services. Start by checking the online reviews of the company. If the comments on the service are primarily positive, contact the company.

Also, check the social media pages if any exist. Check the comment section and avoid any company with many negative comments.

A company that values its customers will usually quickly respond to your inquiries. In addition, the employees will ensure you understand how the service works. The website should also have a detailed section of how the offered services work. Lastly, the services should be smooth with no delays or disappointments.

3. Certification

A legitimate company will always have the necessary documents for credibility purposes. Start by going through a company's website and searching for the details you want.

Contact the company to inquire more about the company. If a company hesitates to prove its credentials, reconsider doing business with them. Oil recycling is an activity that can make or break the environment. Therefore, a company should have certification from the right environment department. This way, you can rest assured that a company has what it takes to recycle oil properly.

4. Referrals

If you have friends, acquaintances, or family members who have done business with an oil recycling company, try and contact them. Ask them for recommendations to some of the great companies they have experienced. Inquire about customer service, process, costs, length of the process, and overall experience.

Referrals will save you time. You will also likely get a legitimate company through a referral.

5. Equipment

An oil recycling company must have the right equipment to carry out the whole process. For example, trucks are necessary to transport the oil. The oil recycling process comprises several stages that need specialized equipment. Some of these processes include dewatering and demulsification.

Some companies also offer recycling oil collection and storage services. This provision is helpful in case you do not have the corresponding equipment.

6. Emergency Services

Choose companies that are reliable even on short notice. Sometimes, you may need an emergency oil pickup because of unforeseen circumstances. Some companies offer emergency services where they can pick up your used oil on short notice within a day. The goal is to find an all-around company with all the services you may need.

7. Proximity

Consider selecting a company within your local area. The closer the company is, the quicker you get the services you need. If you want prompt and reliable services, choose a well-known oil recycling company within your area. This move will reduce the waiting time, and you will not have to worry about storage.

Consider contacting Denver Oil if you are in the Denver Metro Area. Start your journey of preserving the environment by choosing the best oil recycling company. Kindly contact us for all your oil recycling needs. We look forward to helping you and answering any questions you have about our services. Please let us know about your specific oil recycling situation today.

Oil, Filters, and Chemicals That Should Be Recycled

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:58:14 GMT

Manufacturing businesses create a lot of dangerous waste, including used oil, used antifreeze, and wastewater. Luckily, a lot of this waste can be recycled and reused, which is great for your bottom line and the environment. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

1. Used Oil

Used oil refers to both petroleum-based and synthetic used oils. Oil is incredibly important for ensuring machines run smoothly, but over time, grime and debris builds up, making the oil less effective. However, you can't just toss the used oil or pour it down the sink.

If you dispose of oil incorrectly, there is a high risk of it reaching groundwater or storm drains. This can wreak havoc on the environment. Plus, it is a sticky substance that does not degrade well, so it will cling to everything and stick around for a long time, continuing to affect plants, animals, water, and soil.

Luckily, oil can be recycled and reused as clean oil again. It requires a lot less energy to process recycled oil than raw oil, which also helps the environment and save precious resources. In fact, just one gallon of used motor oil provides the same amount as 42 gallons of crude oil.

2. Used Oil Filters

If your system uses oil, you probably also have an oil filter to help remove any debris. Over time, however, these filters get too dirty to be effective, so they need to be replaced. Yet, they are contaminated with used oil, so they should not be thrown in the garbage. Instead, recycle these filters as you would oil. The oil can be removed, recycled, and reused.

3. Tramp Oil

Tramp oil is a type of residue left behind during various production processes, including industrial manufacturing and food preparation. The problem arises when the water used as a coolant mixes with the tramp oils. The oil and particles clump together and float to the surface where it can be removed with a skimmer.

As the tramp oil continues to get dirty, however, it can affect the machine's ability to keep the temperature low. Therefore, the tool will be exposed to too much heat too frequently, which causes it to wear down faster. Plus, the oil can catch fire and burn. As such, it may help if you ensure that any tramp oil is recycled.

4. Antifreeze and Coolant

Antifreeze is a chemical used to help prevent water and other liquids from freezing in machines. It does this by lowering the freezing temperature, but it can also help water from overheating by raising the boiling point of the liquid. However, antifreeze is made of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and both are toxic to animals and plants.

Alternatively, machine coolant is specifically designed to keep machines cool. If machines get too hot, they can become inefficient, or they may break down altogether. This solution should also be recycled as it can negatively impact the environment. Plus, as with recycling used oil, it costs a lot less to process reused coolants.

5. Wastewater

You probably use a lot of water to keep everything cool and clean. This wastewater may contain hazards and toxins, which can get into the soil and groundwater. However, recycling the wastewater removes most of the contaminants, which means the water can be used again. How well the water is cleaned depends on what it is going to be used for next.

For example, water that is going to be used to mix concrete doesn't need to be as clean as water that is going into the municipal water supply. Other uses for recycled water include irrigation, power plants, artificial lakes, and dust control for roads.

Recycling oil and other potentially hazardous chemicals is a great way to save precious resources while also preventing contaminated groundwater. If you would like to know more, or if you would like to recycle your oil, contact us at Denver Oil today.

How Do You Store Used Oil Before It's Recycled?

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 06:00:42 GMT

If you run a business that uses cooking oil, used motor oil, etc., you'll want to look at your recycling options. Recycling used oil is beneficial to the environment since it minimizes water and soil pollution and cuts down on crude oil extraction.

Once you find a service that will recycle your used oil, you'll also need to investigate storage options. Some services will pick up your used oil while other services may have you drop off the waste at a designated site. Either way, you'll need to safely store your used oil until it can be recycled. Here are some steps to take to find the right product and location for proper storage practices.

Pick the Appropriate Drum Material

Before you purchase drums to hold the used oil, you'll need to select the right material. While fiber drums may be attractive options since they cost less to ship and are eco-friendly, they are not suitable for hazardous waste.

Steel drums are ideal because they are resistant to temperature fluctuations and can hold combustible materials. Steel drums may have more upfront costs and shipping costs, but they can be reused more easily than other materials, so you can save money in the long run.

Some people opt for plastic drums because they usually cost less than steel barrels; and when you clean them correctly, they can be re-used. However, you need to make sure that the plastic drum is intended for fuel storage. Plastic drums are typically only used for short-term storage of small quantities of used fuel because waste materials can break down the polymers of the drum over time.

Lastly, you may opt for double-walled containers, which combine steel and plastics. A plastic layer can help to keep the oil well insulated, while an outer steel layer can help maintain internal pressure.

Look at the United Nations Ratings

The United Nations (UN) has set standards, or UN ratings, to help people safely store and transfer hazardous materials. You must make sure that the drum material you choose for your used oil is UN rated so that you know that it's passed rigorous tests for safety.

Keep in mind that not all UN ratings are the same. Some barrels may have different UN ratings depending on the hazardous waste they can hold, so you should look at your municipality's laws to see what is acceptable for your area.

Find a Cool, Clean Storage Location

Once you purchase your containers, you'll need to find a good location to store your used oil. UV radiation from sun exposure can degrade both drums and the oils inside them over time, so you should store your containers inside a garage or warehouse. Your storage area should have a consistent temperature, as fluctuations can cause drums to contract or expand, leading to microscopic leaks.

If you do have to store your drums outside, it's best to cover them with waterproof dust covers to protect them from both the sun and microscopic contaminants. Like temperature fluctuations, water or dust that leaks into barrels can dilute the oil.

Finally, you'll need to make sure that your drums can be sealed tightly with bungs, or stoppers, so that you can avoid spillage and pollution. Sealed drums are a part of good safety practices and prevent the oils from evaporating.

If you keep all of these tips in mind, you should be able to find the right product and storage location for your needs. If you haven't found the right product, reach out to us at Denver Oil for more information on new steel containers and reconditioned containers.

5 Top Benefits of Wastewater Recycling

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 02:26:45 GMT

Water recycling is a viable option if you produce high levels of wastewater in the course of your commercial or industrial operations or if the cost of acquiring freshwater is too high. In addition to the environmental benefits, water recycling is advantageous to businesses in many ways because it offers financial savings and efficient operations.

Water recycling is also a way of being kind to the environment. It prevents water from being removed from natural habitats such as wetlands and forests, which depend on freshwater. Here is a dive into the benefits of recycling wastewater in your business.

1. Fewer Transportation Costs

Industrial wastewater recycling is a smart move as it helps businesses save on costs and ultimately boost the bottom line. Instead of incurring high costs of transporting wastewater to an offsite facility, recycling and reusing wastewater enables a business to save on disposal costs.

Recycling also helps you save on the cost of sourcing freshwater because treated water is now readily available. If your business largely relies on water to operate, on-site wastewater recycling allows you to meet your water demands conveniently.

2. Increased Community Safety

Water plays a crucial role in our lives. Schools, gyms, firefighters, and restaurants require large amounts of water to operate efficiently so they can provide top service. This fact proves the need to scale up water conservation efforts.

Water recycling comes in handy for water parks, swimming pools, and golf courses so that the freshwater sources can help communities in better ways. Some industries that need water in the community may include agriculture, nurseries and horticulture, and landscaping.

Wastewater recycling helps conserve freshwater sources, such as rivers, reservoirs, or groundwater, particularly in regions prone to drought and water scarcity. Wastewater recycling is, therefore, a way to maintain a safe community.

3. Better Environmental Health

People and businesses must reduce water wastage so that less water needs treating. Unfortunately, a lot of untreated wastewater still ends up in water bodies and negatively impacts the planet. This occurrence ultimately reduces human life and that of other living species. Recycling water not only helps secure the local landscape but wildlife as well.

When you recycle water, you will not need to collect water from other areas where the ecosystem will suffer when freshwater is removed. Also, keep in mind that untreated wastewater can significantly pollute rivers, oceans, and streams, lowering the water quality and destroying aquatic animals.

4. Fewer Noncompliance Fines

Practices such as reusing and recycling wastewater help reduce pollution to the environment. Additionally, adopting wastewater recycling strategies allows you to avoid fees and fines due to careless wastewater discharge.

The fines can be quite hefty and can cripple business operations. If your business is environmentally conscious and performs water recycling correctly, you can stay in good standing with regulators.

5. Smoother Operations

Some places, such as mines, recycle wastewater out of necessity, especially in areas that lack or have access to little freshwater. For such businesses to continue operations, an on-site wastewater treatment facility helps them access the much-needed water for smoother operations.

Other businesses with high water usage include car washes. These businesses should opt for recycled water systems because of their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Recycling and reusing wastewater offers businesses a long-term solution for their large-scale water requirements.

More businesses should take up wastewater recycling to conserve water and preserve the environment in the process. Recycling allows such businesses to save money on water bills, which ultimately boosts their profitability. To learn more about wastewater recycling and disposal, contact Denver Oil . We serve all of Colorado with our wastewater and oil recycling efforts.

Recycled Burner Fuel Benefits and Tips for Use in Boilers

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 20:32:22 GMT

If your manufacturing facility is equipped with a boiler system, then you likely know that you have many boiler fuel options. However, you may not understand the advantages and disadvantages of every boiler fuel type available. One type of boiler fuel that is growing in popularity is recycled burner fuel, which is also called recycled fuel oil (RFO).

Recycled fuel oil is created by collecting used petroleum oil and then recycling it into burner fuel by filtering the oil and demulsifying it.

Read on to learn about the unique benefits of choosing recycled fuel oil over other boiler fuel options and tips for success when making the transition from another fuel type to RFO in your boiler systems. Recycled Fuel Oil Benefits

The use of RFO in a boiler system offers a business owner many advantages.

Environmentally Friendly

Like most business owners today, you likely strive to keep your business operations as environmentally friendly as possible. By choosing recycled fuel oil as a boiler fuel source, you can aid in environmental conservation.

When choosing RFO over other fuel sources, you help support businesses that collect and recycle oil instead of placing it in landfills where it can then pollute the environment. You also help to reduce the energy needed to create new fuel sources and to limit the mass production of new oil that can contribute to the destruction of natural animal habitats.

Affordable

Recycled fuel oil is the most affordable boiler fuel available today. While fuel prices can change on a regular basis, on average, one gallon of RFO costs only about $0.60 while natural gas, diesel fuel, and bunker oil all cost much more.

In addition, the average business owner that uses 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel per week as a boiler system fuel source can save over $225,000 a year when they switch their fuel source to RFO. Those who currently rely on natural gas or alternative fuel sources can also look forward to savings after they make the switch.

Tips for Success When Using RFO in Your Boiler System

Follow these tips to help make the transition from your current boiler fuel source to RFO a successful one.

Heat Your Recycled Fuel Oil Properly

While every boiler system varies, typically, recycled fuel oil should be heated to between 150 and 180 degrees F for ideal boiler performance. For this reason, adjust the heat settings on the boiler's electric heat exchangers to a temperature in this range before you use RFO to power your boilers.

Ensure Your Boilers Are Equipped With the Right Components

Successful use of recycled burner fuel relies on having a boiler system that is equipped with components that aid in efficient use of this fuel type. Just a few of these components include at least two sets of fuel filters, several soot blowers, and an air atomizing pump. Perform Proper Equipment Maintenance

Just like when burning any other boiler fuel type, proper maintenance of boiler equipment can help keep your system functioning properly when utilizing RFO as a fuel source.

Important boiler maintenance tasks you should perform when burning RFO include the following:

Clean the boiler filters on a regular basis
Clean the soot blower nozzles once a week
Clean the steam heater, heat exchanger, and boiler tubes at least once a year Clean the boiler's back tubes about twice a week.

Additional maintenance tasks that help keep your boiler system free from ash, soot, and the buildup of general debris can also help prevent common boiler problems, such as overheating or excessive smoke production, before they occur.

Purchase Fuel From a Trusted Supplier

While many companies collect and recycle oil, not all utilize the same oil filtering and demulsifying methods. For this reason, once you find an RFO supplier that you like, you should continue purchasing your recycled burner fuel from this trusted supplier.

If you have a business that is equipped with a boiler system, then you should understand the many benefits of choosing RFO as your boiler fuel source and how to encourage a successful boiler fuel source transition in your facility. Contact the trusted recycled burner fuel suppliers at Denver Oil for all of your RFO needs today.

What Types of Oil Can Be Recycled?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 18 May 2021 19:25:47 GMT

Oil is a widely used substance in places from the auto shop to the kitchen. It is also a non-renewable resource and can wreak havoc on the environment when improperly disposed of, which provides a lot of incentive to recycle it. But what types of oil can be recycled and how can they be used again? Read on to learn more.

Engine Oil

The oil found in your car or truck engine is a viscous substance that lubricates, protects, and cools the moving parts of your engine. Engine oil also contains additives that keep your engine clean and limit chemical byproducts from engine ignition, so it's safe to use around combusting gas.

As engine oil does its job, however, it eventually picks up dirt, debris, and chemical byproducts, which necessitates an oil change to keep the engine running smoothly. When this happens, however, old engine oil can be collected and recycled.

Properly recycled engine oil can be re-refined to be used as engine oil again, meeting all the performance requirements for new oil. It can also be reprocessed as fuel or as a raw material for petroleum.

Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid is a necessity for any hydraulic system, including heavy equipment, as well as power brakes and steering on most automobiles. It is made of water-oil emulsions and salt solutions so that you can safely use it around ignition sources.

Once the hydraulic fluid has picked up enough contaminants, you need to replace it as well. Old hydraulic fluid can then be treated and used as new hydraulic fluid, or it can be filtered into its separate components and used to create new oil products.

Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is another important automotive fluid that keeps the transmission running smoothly. It keeps the system lubricated and reduces friction. Unlike engine oil, transmission fluid is not subject to combustion byproducts, so it takes longer to pick up contaminants and doesn't require replacement as often. When transmission fluid needs replacement, you can collect it so it can be reprocessed into new transmission fluid or other oil-based products.

Gear Lubricant

You can find gear lubricant in vehicles and other machines like lawnmowers and industrial equipment. It differs from motor oil and other lubricants in that it specifically protects gear systems from wear and tear. It also limits the noise of gear operations and contains additives to resist pressure, rust, and corrosion.

Just like the other oil products on this list, you'll need to replace gear lubricant eventually, when it becomes too diluted with dirt and debris. It can then also be re-refined or used as a base material for petroleum production.

Tramp Oil

Unlike the other oils listed here, tramp oil is a byproduct of machine operation. It is essentially oil that has migrated into a coolant system over time due to the proximity of oil-lubrication systems.

You'll need to remove tramp oil in order for the coolant to function effectively, but once it has coalesced and has been filtered from the coolant, it too can be recycled into new oil materials.

Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is widely used in commercial kitchens, especially to fry foods. As it gets used, cooking oil picks up bits of food, grease, and fats, and it eventually becomes unsanitary to continue to cook with.

Instead of throwing it out, however, restaurateurs have the option of recycling used cooking oil. Once filtered properly, cooking oil can be processed into diesel fuel or even transformed into alternative fuels.

There are a lot of types of oil and oil-based products out there, and most of them can be beneficially reused. If you'd like to recycle your used oil products, contact the experts at Denver Oil for used oil pickup . We can take your used oil off your hands and ensure it gets recycled properly.

Handling Tips for Your Used Industrial Oil

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 18 May 2021 19:19:16 GMT

If your industrial business operations produce used oil from heavy equipment and plant machinery, you must plan for proper handling. Correct collection and storage practices will prevent the release of harmful synthetic oil to the environment. Also, the right handling procedures will maximize the benefits of recycling oil. Discover fundamental tips for effective used oil management.

Understand Used Oil

The definition of used oil is critical when collecting and storing fluid for recycling or disposal. Keep in mind that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established criteria for determining if produced fluid is used oil. Consider the standard description of used oil to avoid combining unsuitable substances when collecting the used fluid.

Used oil refers to fluids derived from crude oil or created using synthetic materials. The fluid must have been used in industrial operations for purposes like lubrication, cooling, transmission, and heat transfer. Additionally, used oil should contain contaminants. The pollutants can be physical or chemical impurities like metal shavings, dirt, water, and halogens.

The EPA outlines the common kinds of used oils formed during industrial processes. Make sure to know about the often overlooked exceptions such as petroleum-derived substances like kerosene, antifreeze, and distillates. Moreover, unused oil from delivery barrels and oil spillages are not also classified as used oil. However, you must still retain and dispose of the fluid safely.

Use Suitable Containers

Acquire the right containers for storing the identified used oil from your industrial processes. Choose reliable drums for safe onsite storage. Different types of containers are suitable for oil storage, including polyethylene and stainless steel drums. Both materials are durable and compatible with waste oil. Also, consider reconditioned containers as a more environmentally friendly solution.

When choosing and buying storage drums for used oil, evaluate the capacity. If your industrial site produced fluid in large volumes, opt for large units like tote containers. Moreover, inspect the condition of any container before purchase and use. A damaged drum can allow oil to leak, which can lead to the subsequent contamination of the industrial site and the environment.

Secure the Containers

The importance of securing the containers of used oil cannot be overemphasized. Prevent access to the drums by unauthorized personnel. Choose a safe location away from the core activities of the industrial site. Watch out for hazards like open flames and sparks due to the fire risk. Lock the doors or manage access to the area if locking is not possible.

Do not store the used oil alongside unused oil or other fluids to avoid confusion and misuse or discharge of the contaminated material. Moreover, storing diverse chemicals together in a confined location might result in an adverse reaction.

Plan for Spillage

Used oil might spill during onsite handling. Plan for this accident when collecting, pumping, or pouring the fluid into storage containers. Improper management of spills often leads to extensive contamination. For instance, the fluid could flow into a floor drain and end up in a river or the ocean. You can prevent disasters with quick management.

Keep absorbent materials on hand, and use them to prevent oil flow in case of a spill. You can also erect a suitable sorbent berm around the accident zone. If the spill is from a leaking drum, transfer the fluid to a secure container before cleanup. Use cleaning materials like rags and pads to absorb the oil. Handle these hazardous items like used oil during disposal.

Choose a Specialist

Make sure to choose a specialist for your used oil management needs. Industrial fluids are hazardous and difficult to store before reuse and recycling. An experienced business with an understanding of legislation and resources for safe oil disposal will prevent oversights and accidents. If you have struggled with used oil handling, contact us at Denver Oil for professional help.

What Determines the Value of Used Oil? | Denver Oil

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:21:20 GMT

If you work in an industry that regularly uses oil for day-to-day operations, such as manufacturing, metalworking, or automotive, then you may be wondering if there is any value in your used oil. The answer is largely yes, but the value of your used oil will fluctuate depending based on various influential factors.

Instead of discarding your waste oil, find somewhere to recycle and reuse it. After undergoing re-refinement and processing, the oil can then have a second life as a base lubricant, fuel oil blend, or even as a component in asphalt production.

Keep reading to learn more about what determines used oil prices and better understand the importance of recycling your used oil.

Type and Condition of Your Used Oil

Oil can't be discarded in the same ways traditional waste from other industries can be. Lube shops and other industries have specific regulations and laws that they must follow when it comes to oil recycling. However, some used oils have a higher initial value than others prior to re-refinery. The lighter and cleaner the used or waste oil, the greater its worth because it takes less time and effort to clean and refine.

Oils that have been scorched, carbonized, are in hard-to-collect locations, or contain a higher amount of contaminants - sludge, particles, solids, and chemical by-products - will have a slightly lesser value due to the amount of work that needs to be put into it.

Market Factors

The current oil market is one of the biggest factors determining the value of used oil. While used oil is good for the environment and can be just as efficient as new or crude oil, if the price of crude oil is cheap, then used oil won't have as much value because it still costs the same to recycle it.

However, this also means that the opposite is true. When the price of crude oil increases, recycled oil can be an affordable option for many and lube shops can count on the sale of recycled oil as a reliable source of income.

Additionally, the international price for virgin base oils will determine the price that re-refined base oil can be sold for. Re-refineries recycle and manufacture their used oil at a fixed cost and if the cost of virgin oil drops, then re-refineries will likely drop their purchase price as well.

Supply and Demand

Oil has been a highly sought after commodity since the 1800s, for everything from motor vehicles to heating. And that demand isn't likely to significantly change any time soon. With a high demand for oil, there will also continue to be a demand for used oil, which will ensure it has value in the marketplace.

Supply and demand also heavily influence the value of used oil. The greater the demand for used oil, the more value it has and the more the price will increase. As oil becomes more accessible and the demand goes down, the price also decreases.

However, it's important to note that oil prices also depend on the oil futures market regardless of supply and demand. The oil futures market allows oil buyers and sellers to set up binding contracts for oil purchases in the future at a predefined price and on a specific date. For example, a large trucking fleet could purchase oil futures at the current oil price to protect themselves against rising prices in the future.

If your industry has an abundance of used oil, contact Denver Oil to learn about our oil pickup and recycling services. We'll make sure your oil is carefully taken care of, which in turn will protect the environment for future generations.

What to Know About Tramp Oil

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 05:36:01 GMT

In the metalworking industry, tramp oil refers to non-soluble or hydrocarbon contaminants present in machine coolants. Machinery that faces high levels of tramp oil can experience efficiency problems. This type of contamination can also put their expensive machines and human operators at risk. Discover what to know about tramp oil.

How Tramp Oil Migrates to Coolant Fluids

Metalworking fluids are dynamic, and their nature makes the introduction of tramp oil insidious. Tramp oil enters metalworking fluids via a variety of different routes.

Leaky Machine Tool Seals

Machine tool hydraulic seals at or near the end of their life are more prone to leaks. When this happens, trace amounts of hydraulic fluid enter a coolant system during machine tasks.

Machine Oil Lubricants

Machine parts require lubrication in order to move freely. Unfortunately, unwanted oil from components like gears, ball bearings, slides, and spindles can enter cutting fluid and coolant.

Process Materials

Certain materials being processed at a machining center can introduce contaminants into fluids when they carry an oil-based coating. Failure to first remove this protection against corrosion results in a mix with coolant.

Why Tramp Oil is Undesirable

Failure to remove tramp oil contaminants properly from coolant fluids has several negative consequences. Most importantly, tramp oil makes fluid less effective and hinders the ability of a machine to work efficiently. This occurs as the presence of oil within a water-based coolant prevents operating temperatures from lowering.

Friction and high RPMs heat up machine components. Tramp oil can come into contact with these hot cutting tools and create smoke, often hot enough to burn an operator. Or, tramp oil forms an oily mist that settles over a machine, its operator, and the surrounding vicinity.

Tramp oil in coolant creates an ideal environment for anaerobic bacterial growth. Prompted by rich nutrients and a lack of oxygen, this bacteria growth produces smelly hydrogen sulfide gas. Workers may be at risk from dermatitis or other health conditions related to bacterial growth.

Additionally, hydrogen sulfide gas is acidic, degrades the lubricating qualities of a coolant, and corrodes machine tools and parts.

How to Remove Tramp Oil

The best way to keep tramp oil from metalworking fluids is to never allow a system to accumulate tramp oil at all. High-quality filters and robust fluid monitoring plans all help prevent contamination from occurring.

However, sometimes tramp oil is still present and must be removed to prevent inefficient machine time, overheated components, and possible human harm. Utilize oil purification processes and equipment to keep coolant clean. As a result, you can reuse existing fluids and enjoy a reduction in coolant purchases as well as a decrease in tramp oil disposal costs.

Tramp oil filtration relies on one of several different skimmers, centrifuges, or coalescers to remove impurities.

Separators

Many separators are portable for ease of use and allow tool operation to remain uninterrupted. This high-speed centrifuge recycles fluid as it places both suction and return hoses into the machine sump. Separators remove both free and emulsified oils from coolant.

Coalescers

A coalescer attracts tramp oil with an oleophilic media using a standard electric pump. Once smaller oil particles consolidate into larger droplets, filters remove them. The coalescer is good for high-temperature fluids like cleaners. Coalescers can be portable or remain at the tank side.

Skimmers

Skimmers are best suited for coolant contaminated with synthetic oils, which do not mix with water and naturally float to the surface. A skimmer will utilize this difference in specific gravities and simply scrape off the oil with a wiper.

Your metalworking facility may aim to filter and recycle fluid. In this case, contact Denver Oil when you need a reliable tramp oil collection service .

5 Stages in Oil Recycling

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 17:16:20 GMT

Poor management of used oil is an often-overlooked threat to the environment. A gallon of used oil from an oil change can ruin a million gallons of fresh water and put the lives of millions of people at risk. Used oil recycling is one of the most effective solutions to this environmental threat.

The environmentally friendly management of used oil protects ecosystems and has multiple economic benefits such as supply of energy and lubrication. Discover some techniques involved in the process of used oil recycling.

1. Dewatering

After collecting used oil, the material goes through several pre-treatment stages. Recycling companies use dewatering as the first stage to separate water and oil.

The used oil goes into large specialized tanks where the collected oil settles in a process that leverages gravitational force. Free water settles to the bottom, and pipes drain it away. To speed up this process, the recycler heats the used oil tank while the water goes through an evaporation process.

Wastewater from the large tanks undergoes treatment before it's released as an added safeguard to protect the environment.

2. Demulsification

For oil emulsions, bound water requires more specialized separation through a demulsifier. Emulsions are extremely stable because crude oil contains resins, and this creates a strong bond.

The process breaks the bond between the water and oil for dewatering to start. In the demulsifier tank, special chemicals (emulsion breakers) neutralize the effect of emulsifying chemicals. The destabilization of the emulsifying film around water droplets aids in separating oil and water.

After this separation, the dewatering process can take place in specialized tanks where water drains away.

3. Filtration and Demineralization

After dewatering, the used oil is now in a separate collection tank, but it still contains impurities. Removing inorganic materials and additives from the manufacturing process is the next stage in the oil recycling process.

At this stage, recycled oil goes a separation phase aided by heating, Sulfuric acid, and a reagent. As the heating continues, the operators stir the used oil and later leave it to stand. The unwanted materials accumulate on the tank's lower section, where a pipe drains the contaminated solution away.

To remove any fine particles in the demineralized oil, filtration is the final step at this stage. The purified oil is now ready to store and for different applications such as burner fuel.

4. De-Asphalting With Propane

Production of lubricants involves a process to remove asphalt from the pre-treated oil. Propane gas is the solvent for this process.

5. Fractionation

The purified oil has different components separated through a heating process at this purification stage. Different products have unique boiling ranges, and this quality helps in the separation.

At high boiling ranges, the fractionation process produces heavy lubricating oils. At lower boiling ranges, this oil recycling step produces gases and gasoline. The distillation stage helps to refine recycled oil and turn this into virgin base oil for different applications.

Proper management of used oil is beneficial to the environment, helps develop new products, and also provides a new source of energy. If allowed into the environment, the used oil can contaminate sources of natural drinking water. Whenever you change oil from your car or any equipment, make sure you collect and deliver it to a recycling facility for proper treatment.

If you need any help with managing used oil in the Denver Metro Area, we're glad to be of help. Denver Oil is one of the leading oil recycling experts in Denver, CO, and we serve clients in different industries throughout the region by leveraging innovative oil recycling solutions. Contact us today for all your used oil recycling needs.

Why and How Antifreeze Is Recycled

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:39:03 GMT

Antifreeze is a crucial component for most car engines between October and April, especially in colder climates. When cars properly utilize antifreeze, their radiators are protected against extreme temperatures that could cause them to freeze. However, this liquid temperature reducer needs to be at the right levels and have the right cleanliness to do its job well.

When vehicle owners notice that their antifreeze starts to get old and change colors, they'll bring it to your shop, and you'll need to drain it from the vehicle and replace it with a new solution. But what should you do with the used antifreeze? Recycle it — and today, you'll learn why and how to do so.

The Responsible Choice

Antifreeze usually consists of a variety of chemicals mixed together, designed to lower the freezing temperature of the fluids a car needs to run. Each of the components presents an environmental hazard on their own, but together, they can risk damaging any person, animal, or ecosystem that takes in the liquid. Additionally, the use of antifreeze allows it to pick up heavy metals, which will add to the toxicity of the solution.

If your shop chooses to recycle the antifreeze you drain from your customers' cars, you'll be joining a low percentage of people, but a worthy one. Not only will you be reducing the chemicals your natural environment has to absorb, but you'll be cutting down on the use of ethylene glycol, which comes from natural gas and is therefore non-renewable. The more your shop recycles, the better for your planet.

The Collection Methods

When you drain the antifreeze from a customer's vehicle, it may be tempting to allow it to spill onto the ground or into a trash container that doesn't hold it back from spilling. Instead, talk to the recycling plant you plan to partner with and arrange for containers that will safely seal in the used antifreeze until it reaches the site. If you're planning to recycle multiple fluids, make sure to keep them each separate.

Arrange for your shop to become a collection center so that the recycling company will come to pick up your used antifreeze and other fluids regularly. You'll also make it easier for DIY mechanics to recycle. Instead of dumping their antifreeze or trying to bring it directly to the plant, they can take their containers of dirty antifreeze to you, and the recyclers will pick it up on their next trip.

The Recycling Process

Once the antifreeze reaches the plant, the workers will put it into a machine that removes heavy metals and motor oil that it may have picked up within a car. A variety of processes exist for this purpose. One such method involves vacuuming the antifreeze into a drum, boiling it to distill the liquid, and vaporizing the ethylene glycol to cleanse it of contaminants.

Another process uses ion exchange resins, plastic beads that a machine will charge with positive ions and release into the antifreeze. The undesirable elements, especially the heavy metals, will attract to these pellets, which allows the workers to separate them from the rest of the fluid. A semipermeable membrane may also be a tool used in this process, making it into reverse osmosis.

If you need to arrange for used fluids from your shop to go through a treatment center, look no further than Denver Oil. Our locally owned and operated company is working hard to refine motor oil and antifreeze and make it useful again, helping preserve the environment for a brighter future. Get in touch today to set up your used fluids pickup.

The Differences Between New, Recycled, and Re-Refined Oil

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Sat, 14 Nov 2020 08:34:29 GMT

When you think about motor oil recycling, it may be hard to imagine how anyone can cleanse old, dirty oil and make it safe to use again. Unfortunately, this mindset can create a prejudice against recycled or re-refined oil, which makes it harder for this useful fluid to be seen as credible.

Take a look at the differences between new and used oils and how they can perform equally well in a variety of situations.

New/Virgin Oil

If you sell motor oil at your auto shop or buy it in large quantities from a corporation, you are likely dealing with virgin motor oil. When an oil rig extracts crude oil from the well, it goes through an initial refining process to separate the oil from any contaminants that may have been in the surrounding area.

Virgin oil sets the standard for quality in the industry, but as a fossil fuel, it does come with environmental impacts. The process of drilling the well, extracting the crude oil, shipping it to a refinery, and the refining procedures all use a lot of energy and fuel, which can harm the environment if corporations don't pay attention to the ecological cost of their choices.

Recycled Oil

When you change the oil in a car or hydraulic machinery, you probably have a disposal container to hold the used fluids. Follow the examples of many other companies by bringing that container to a recycling plant, rather than letting it sit on your business's property indefinitely.

When the plant recycles the used oil, they process it and filter out the physical impurities and dirt. Recycled oil may also be reconditioned by adding chemicals that prolong its usefulness. While you probably should not swap out recycled oil for motor oil or hydraulic fluids, the substance remains useful for heating fuel, diesel fuel, marine fuel, or to lubricate some systems.

If you use recycled oil for these purposes, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your fuel. Rather than expending the energy involved in procuring crude oil, the recycling process only requires filtration and transportation to be useful in your business. Still, recycled oil is imperfect and should not be used as motor oil for vehicles.

Re-Refined Oil

Re-refined oil has a much more stringent process to make it ready for use again. Most of the time, a re-refining process looks very similar to the original filtration, distillation, and dehydration that crude oil will go through. A significant difference between recycled and re-refined oil is the extraction of chemical intrusions from the latter, which requires more extensive purification.

By undergoing the same process as crude oil, used oil can become the equal of virgin oil and sometimes outperform it. Re-refined oil meets all of the same standards that new oil must, or the API will not allow it onto the market. When you use re-refined oil in your shop, you can safely assure your customers that their vehicles will run just as well as with virgin oil.

Unlike virgin oil, however, the environmental impact remains low because re-refined oil uses a fluid that has already been extracted, rather than drilling for more oil. Less energy goes into the process — for more significant gain since re-refined oil tends to have a much higher output than virgin oil's first purification.

If you need somewhere to recycle the oil from your shop or would like to buy re-refined burner oils, contact Denver Oil , your local oil recycling plant. Check out the site today to see how you can benefit from locally owned oil recycling services, whether you need oil or need used oil pick-up services.

Why More Small Businesses Should Become Used Oil Collection Centers

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:33:00 GMT

Many small businesses have struggled due to the effects COVID-19 has had on the economy. Business owners all over the country are working hard to offer more and more services to their customers to stay relevant and create multiple income streams.

One of the ways many small businesses can become more relevant is to offer used oil collection services. Although there are some initial start-up costs associated with becoming a used oil collection center, the benefits can make up for the initial investment.

Here are just a few reasons to consider collecting used motor oil from your community.

Protect the Planet

Motor oil is an essential petroleum product for everyone from car owners to shipping businesses. It lubricates moving engine parts and protects them from the negative effects of friction. But as a petroleum product, oil can harm the environment.

Unrecycled motor oil can make its way into natural waterways like lakes, rivers, and oceans. There, it can harm plant and animal life and pollute our fresh water sources. In fact, just one gallon of motor oil can pollute one million gallons of fresh water. For these reasons, oil recycling is essential.

Recycling oil is also a less resource-intensive process than creating new motor oil. Since motor oil degrades very slowly, it can be used again and again after it has been refined. In fact, according to National Geographic, motor oil can be seen as a renewable resource. By helping your community recycle used oil, you can help reduce everyone’s carbon footprint.

As a used motor oil collection center, your business would accept used motor oil that your customers might otherwise throw away or dump illegally. By offering a local, easily accessible drop-off location, you can help people in your community protect the planet.

Get New Customers Through the Door

Getting customers into your business is a challenge. With great marketing and community support, small businesses can do fairly well, but thriving can be difficult. Now, with COVID-19 keeping people indoors, you may have recently seen a drop in your sales.

Many customers these days are taking fewer trips away from home and consolidating those trips to get as much done as possible. If you offer an extra, necessary service, you can get more potential customers into your business despite the changes in people's behavior.

To make this work for your business, don't offer a self-service oil drop-off. Instead, require customers to walk into your business to request the use of your oil collection center (following social distancing guidelines) and then help them dispose of their oil. Once they have stopped into your business, they will make a connection with you and could become long-term customers.

Connect With Your Local Community

One of the best ways to grow your business is to connect with your community. As you build connections, your sales will grow from word of mouth alone, without you dramatically changing your marketing or lifting a finger to promote your business.

Opening a used motor oil collection center is just one way to make your business a mainstay of your community. If people around you know that you are willing to support the planet and the local environment by preventing oil contamination, you can build trust with them.

Make sure you advertise your oil collection service both in your business and as part of your general marketing initiatives to ensure people throughout your community know they can turn to you when they have oil to dispose of.

At Denver Oil, we collect used oil from collection centers, auto shops, and many other businesses around Denver, Colorado. If you have any questions about the logistics of oil collection, call us today to learn more about what we do.

4 Container Options Ideal for Storing Used Oil Products

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 14:13:12 GMT

Recycling used oil is essential for helping the environment and preventing waste. Whether you do car repairs at home or own a car repair shop, you will quickly accumulate a lot of used oil. The container the oil goes in will make a big difference when you want to recycle the oil and schedule a pickup.

Follow our guide to learn about container options and choices for your garage.

1. Polyethylene Containers

One of the more modern container options for a garage is a polyethylene container. Polyethylene, often shortened to "poly" for product descriptions, is a thermo plastic that is durable, is flexible, and can last years without any deterioration. The strong conditions of the material can handle oil exposure without any wear or break down.

When you choose a poly container for your business, a white container offers advantages because of the semi-transparent properties. As you fill the container with used oil, you will see the oil levels rise up from the outside, so you will know when the container is filled and not accidentally overfill it.

The plastic also allows you to easily label the container using many kinds of permanent markers. The thickness of the plastic will help reduce odors coming from the container.

2. Stainless Steel Containers

Steel containers have been used for years to store oils and other liquids, but regular steel has been know to rust, rot, and break down from the stronger materials. A stainless steel container offers more security, and you will not run into problems with rust when you store oil inside the container.

Stainless steel containers are heavier than a poly container, but they offer a lot of security. For example, if you bang into the container, you do not need to worry about making a hole or accidentally knocking the container over.

Stainless steel containers come in multiple color options so you can easily sort through different waste products including oil and anti-freeze. Sticker labels also work easily on the containers and allow your garage to remain clean and organized.

3. Tote Containers

If you have a lot of oil waste at your business, then you may want to consider a larger tote container as opposed to a smaller drum. The larger tote containers will often include a stainless steel grate around the outside of the tote for more protection and durability.

The steel grate will also include support grips on the bottom so the tote stands properly. You can have a dedicated area to the tote and use the tote to hold all of the oil waste. When a recycling company comes to gather the waste, they will have professional pumps and lifts to easily remove the oil waste no matter how big the container is.

4. Reconditioned Containers

If you are looking for a more environmentally friendly oil storage option for your garage, then consider a reconditioned container. Reconditioned containers have been used before but are thoroughly cleaned out and look brand new when you purchase one. The containers do not have any oil residue or scents left behind.

When you shop for reconditioned containers, you can find any style, including poly, stainless steel, and totes. The containers will often cost less and save you money in the long run. If you have your whole container picked up, you have the option to have a reconditioned container dropped off at the same time to collect more oil.

Contact us at Denver Oil to schedule oil recycling options and order your ideal container. We offer all of the options mentioned above, and our experienced team can help answer any additional questions you have about oil container options.

Where Your Recycled Oil Goes

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 19:44:38 GMT

Recycling is a ubiquitous term in today's world. Bottles, cans, and paper products are obvious candidates for the recycling bin, but so many more products that get thrown away could be recycled. One of these substances is used motor oil. Not only is oil dangerous for the environment when disposed of incorrectly, but it also negatively affects the economy. Recycling oil is an easy and painless way to go green.

The Process

The only difference between new oil and used oil is impurity. When we use oil, it gets dirty. Therefore, by cleaning the oil through a variety of processes, oil can be recycled to the same quality as brand new oil. If done correctly, oil can be recycled and reused indefinitely .

The first step is to separate the water. This is called dewatering. Just as salad dressing will separate into many different layers, the oil simply needs to sit in a large container in order to separate from the water.

From there, solid waste is disposed of. The oil is then separated into three grades: light, intermediate, and heavy. These are different types of oils that are used in different types of equipment. The heaviest of these solids are taken out and used in asphalt. This is just another use for recycling oil.

The oil is almost clean at this point, but it still needs to be completely purified. To do this, it goes through a series of distillations. The first distillation, which uses water, separates out the lightest of fuels. The second and last distillation is done in a vacuum chamber and separates out, or cuts, the rest of the oils. At this point, the recycling process is done, and the oil is ready for reuse.

The Benefits

Recycling oil is a huge help to the environment. A single gallon of oil can contaminate 1,000,000 gallons of water. Not only does this affect wildlife, but it can affect people as their water supply is contaminated and rendered undrinkable.

The benefits of recycling go far beyond the environment. Re-refining oil makes economic sense as well. It is more efficient in the creation of lubricating oil than crude oil. This efficiency makes recycling oil much cheaper than mining it from the ground.

Not only is it cheaper, but recycling oil does not lower the quality of the oil. This means that your car can't tell the difference between new or recycled oil. Since quality is not diminished, oil can be recycled indefinitely, making it a reusable resource.

What You Can Do

Recycling your oil is easy and painless. Many auto shops accept used oil and will recycle it for you. All you have to do is show up and hand it over.

Most importantly, don't pour your used oil down a storm drain. An estimated 200 million gallons of oil is disposed of incorrectly. That's 200 trillion gallons of water contaminated every year. If you are changing the oil yourself on your car, be mindful and turn in your extra oil to be recycled instead of pouring it down the drain.

Also, don't be afraid of using recycled oil for your car. Though the standards vary by state, using recycled motor oil is one way to help the environment as well as the economy. Remember, recycled oil behaves just as well as its newly mined counterpart.

Denver Oil tries to reap the benefits of recycled oil one gallon at a time. Not only do we pick up old, used oil, but we will also dispose of your antifreeze and oil filters. Find a location today for a new way of recycling and going green.

Tips to Start a Waste Oil Collection Business

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 20:07:53 GMT

Recycling used oil is beneficial to individuals, companies, and the environment. Recycling companies depend on small businesses and individuals to obtain the used oil. Thus, you can start a business to collect the oil from individuals or businesses, deliver it to the pickup sites, and sell it to the recycling companies.

This business is quite flexible, but you have to be prepared before you commence operations. Also, you need to have the right knowledge to run a successful business. This guide provides you with tips to start a waste oil collection business.

Determine Your Niche

Different types of oils can be recycled, so you have to determine which ones you will focus on. Examples of recyclable oils include motor oil, kerosene, cooking oil, and petroleum-based products. You can decide to collect all types of oils or entirely focus on petroleum-based products such as antifreeze.

Your niche helps you identify your target sources and the market quickly. For example, if you focus on cooking oil, you will create partnerships with restaurants and residents. If you choose motor oil, you will partner with car washes and auto-repair businesses that recycle motor oil.

You need to consider various factors before you pick a niche. For example, you should consider the distance between your site and the recycling company that is within your niche. Also, choose an oil type that has a high number of clients.

Most people don't use rarer oil types; if you want to collect these oils, you may have a hard time finding clients.

Another aspect that you should put in mind is the recycling value. Recycling companies buy oils at different rates based on the type and other factors. Thus, you should take time to research the recycling value of different waste oils.

This tip can help you choose a waste oil type that will help take your business to the next level.

Obtain Licenses and Insurance

Now that you have decided on the type of waste oil you want to recycle, you need to obtain licenses. The government and relevant regulatory agencies should recognize your business.

Besides the business's licenses, you may also need commercial driver's licenses that allow you to drive large trucks to the recycling companies. You can also hire a driver with the relevant licenses.

Insurance is also vital in this business. Buy insurance coverage that can shield you from liabilities as you run your business

Find a Storage Location

You need to have a safe location where you will store the collected oil before transporting it. The site needs to be far from residential areas for safety purposes. You should have adequate security and access control systems.

Purchase Equipment

After you have found a storage site, you should invest in storage tanks to hold the oils. Ensure that you get several plastic tanks that can hold up to 10,000 gallons so that you don't run out of space when orders are high. You can start with small containers and buy more as your business grows.

Moreover, you should label the containers so that you don't mix the oils. Work with professional contractors to help you choose your containers and position them safely based on government regulations. The containers should be closed at all times to prevent contamination from external elements.

Understand Your State's Rules

States have different rules on waste oil collection. Go through the guidelines, preferably with an attorney, to ensure that your business abides by them. Recycling companies gravitate towards collectors who observe the regulations.

The regulations are specific to the type of waste oil that you collect. Thus, you should pay close attention to the rules that focus on your particular waste oil in addition to the standard regulations.

The waste oil collection business is growing as more people appreciate the benefits of recycling used oil. Denver Oil offers oil collection services. Contact us today for more information.

Why Should Your Company Choose a Local Oil Recycler?

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:28:56 GMT

If you run a business that deals with petroleum products, then you need to deal with your waste products in a safe and environmentally conscience manner. Recycling old oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid ensures that your business does not leave the environment in worse shape than it found it. There's more to being a good citizen for your community than just recycling, however.

When you begin to work with a recycling company for your recycling needs, you will often find yourself deciding between local recyclers and larger national recyclers. Although the national companies may have more name recognition, you have significant and compelling benefits to partnering with a local business. Discover three reasons why you should keep your recycling local.

1. More Reliable Service

Using a national company often means waiting for a truck to arrive from outside of your local area, sometimes even outside of your state. With longer, less consistent pickup intervals, you'll need additional storage on site. Not only does this mean using more real estate and buying more storage equipment, but it also increases the risk for spills and accidents.

Since local recyclers travel a shorter distance and work nearby routes, you can rely on reliable and timely pickups. One of the most frustrating issues with waste oil recycling is finding yourself with more oil than you can store on-site while you wait for your recycler. By working with a local company, you can ensure that your pickup schedule fits your specific site storage requirements.

2. Responsive Customer Support

Inefficient pickup schedules are another serious concern for many small businesses. Although overfilling your waste storage can be disastrous, scheduling pickups when you still have plenty of capacity can be wasteful. Large, national companies often have more rigid schedules and may not be easy to contact if you need to delay a pickup by several days or longer.

Developing a relationship with a local company means faster, more responsive customer service. Local recyclers often have more flexibility on their routes, and their support may be able to meet changes in your schedule more easily. Better flexibility means that you can adjust your waste oil pickups as needed to accommodate variations in your waste oil outflow.

3. Improved Local Image

Good environmental stewardship is the responsibility (and often legal obligation) of every business owner, but that doesn't mean that practical benefits don’t exist. Recycling your oil provides you with an opportunity to improve your business' image with your community. By reusing your waste oil, you can prove that your business takes steps to minimize its impact on the environment.

Working with a local recycler helps further to enhance the position of your business within your community. By building relationships with other local businesses, your company can become a crucial part of the local economy. These relationships can be especially helpful if you are involved in local commerce boards or other regional business organizations.

4. Less Environmental Impact

There's more to limiting your impact on the environment than just ensuring that your used oil finds a new life elsewhere. Local recyclers don't have to travel as far to pick up your oil, and the end-users of recycled oil are likely to be closer. Less driving from origin to ultimate destination means that the transportation portion of the recycling process has a smaller environmental footprint.

An added benefit is that your recyclers in your area must abide by similar local and state environmental regulations to your own business. Working in a similar regulatory framework means that you do not have to worry about potentially exporting your waste products to an area with less effective environmental controls.

If you want a reliable local recycling partner in the Denver metro area, then Denver Oil is here to meet all of your recycling needs. We can provide both routine and emergency oil pickup services to businesses of any size. Call us today to learn more.

How to Prepare for Used Oil Pickup

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:55:44 GMT

If your business is involved in the automotive, metalworking, or manufacturing industries, you likely use a lot of oil. Many industries fundamentally rely on oil, and no matter how eco-friendly your business is, this need will still be present. Luckily, used oil is recyclable, which allows your waste oil to be refined and reused.

In order to recycle the used oil, a technician will come to your property and retrieve your waste oil with a specialized truck. This is a relatively straightforward process, but preparing for the pickup will ensure that the process goes smoothly. Read this blog to learn how to prepare for used oil pickup.

Familiarize Yourself With the Process

The retrieval process is typically simple. After you call a waste removal specialist, you'll schedule a time for pickup and let them know the type and quantity of the waste you'd like to have removed. On the day of the pickup, a technician will visit with a specialized truck equipped with a pump and the necessary tanks. They'll pump your waste fluid and take it to their facility.

If your quantity of oil is low enough, you may be able to drop it off at a recycling facility yourself. However, if you have dozens of gallons of oil, transporting the large drums in your personal vehicles can be unwieldy and dangerous, so a pickup service is invaluable. Additionally, many facilities don't have on-site drop-off locations.

Research the Company

Many companies have a minimum oil requirement; for example, some companies will require that you have at least one full 55-gallon drum of waste oil before they will make a trip to pick it up. They may also offer pickup services for other fluids, such as antifreeze, hydraulic fluid, or transmission fluid. Do your research so you can maximize the utility of the services.

Understand the Law

In Colorado, used oil is considered a regulated material . This means your use of this substance — including how you dispose of it — is subject to regulation. As such, you have a responsibility to the government and the planet to dispose of your oil properly. When you work with professionals, you can rest easy with the knowledge that your oil is handled safely and legally.

Carefully Pick a Time

Waste oil pickup isn't a long process, but it involves a large truck and industrial equipment. As such, you should schedule your pickup away from peak business hours; this will allow the retrieval to take place without disrupting business. If the pickup will take place outdoors, try to schedule it during clear weather. While emergency pickup services are often available, you'll typically have to schedule a few days in advance.

Gather Your Oil

The process will go smoothly if your oil is already gathered in large drums or totes. These range in size from 30-gallon drums to massive cubic containers that hold 300 gallons or more. You can purchase used containers affordably, but make sure they are UN-rated, as this will minimize the risk of a spill.

Prepare Your Property

Figure out where the pickup will take place. If your oil drums are deep in a cramped garage, the truck may not be able to access them. Place your oil in a relatively open space and clear out any equipment or trash from the area. On the day of the pickup, you may want to use tape or cones to section off the space for the truck — otherwise, someone may park their car right where the truck needs to be.

Denver Oil is Colorado's premier oil recycling company. Our goal is to protect the planet and its resources by keeping oil in circulation for as long as possible. Get in touch today to learn how you can benefit from our services.

4 Reasons Oil Recycling is Important to Communities

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:45:46 GMT

If you think that used oil is only relevant to industrial or commercial customers, then it's time to think again. Environmental concerns impact all members of a community. The outsized impact of environmental problems on municipalities of all sizes makes them a concern for civic leaders as well as members of the local business community.

Oil recycling programs are an especially attractive option for communities that want to build a greener future for their citizens. Additionally, they offer several opportunities for local communities to stimulate economic growth and improve civic engagement while also helping the Earth. Keep reading to discover four reasons your community should consider designing a local oil recycling program.

1. Dumped Oil is a Community Concern

Massive oil spills and disasters get a lot of attention, but small-scale oil contamination is a much more significant concern for most communities. Even a relatively small amount of oil can result in wide-scale contamination of soil or groundwater. When extended to an entire community of individuals and businesses, even small amounts of improper oil disposal can lead to disaster.

Because dumped oil has the potential to impact so many lives, municipalities have a responsibility to ensure that proper disposal methods are available. Building a program at a community-level is an opportunity to create greater compliance and turn recycling into a civic duty. Sponsored programs also help to highlight the availability of recycling for individuals who may not be aware that the option exists.

2. Recycling Programs Offer an Outreach Opportunity

While businesses are often aware of their recycling options (and may face stiffer regulatory requirements to use them), individuals may not be. Making outreach a part of any community program helps individuals understand how they can contribute while getting rid of their own waste oil. For areas with a large proportion of do-it-yourself car owners, this can be an especially valuable service.

Outreach can help businesses, too. Many smaller auto shops, car washing facilities, and other small companies may not be aware of the best ways to deal with their used oil products. Helping these heavy users to partner with a local oil recycling company can have a drastic impact on the amount of waste oil that finds its way into the environment.

3. Oil Recycling Stimulates Local Economic Growth

One of the most common uses for recycled oil is as burner fuel. This recycled petroleum product allows industrial facilities to fuel their equipment at a lower price and without the need to purchase "fresh" oil. Recycled fuel oil quality is more than sufficient for most burners, so widespread availability of recycled burner oil can help local companies to cut their costs.

By working with a local oil recycler to ensure that a more significant portion of used oil is recycled, your community can help to develop this important supply chain. Greater access to recovered fuel means that companies will have more money to spend on capital investment and employment, potentially offering a knock-on boost to the local economy.

4. Recycling Programs Create Business and Community Partnerships

Since your community will not be developing its own facilities for recovering oil, working with a local oil recycler will be a vital part of any program. Providing a central drop-off location for individuals to dispose of motor oil presents an opportunity for your community to work with an oil recycler to collect and reprocess that used oil.

By partnering with a local oil recycler, you'll help your community's economy in more ways than one. In addition to the economic benefits of making fuel oil available to other businesses, your community can direct business to local recyclers over large national ones. These partnerships can help to keep local dollars in your community.

Denver Oil can handle pick-up for a variety of waste products, including used motor oil, filters, and antifreeze. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help to keep used petroleum products out of the local environment.

Getting Into Manufacturing? Why You Should Recycle Tramp Oil

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:33:21 GMT

Whether you want to create large assemblies in a factory setting or work for a machining shop and create smaller products and parts, you can take many paths as you learn metalwork. However, as you learn about different machines and tools, you should also learn about the proper disposal of by-products that are created during the manufacturing process, such as tramp oil, or sump oil.

Read on to learn more about tramp oil and why it's important to recycle it in your future endeavors.

What Is Tramp Oil and Why Is It a Problem?

Tramp oil is a catch-all term for oil lubricants that contaminate machine coolants. As machine components, such as screws, spindles, and lathes, twist and rotate, the oil will mix with the coolant. This by-product can be a big problem for many reasons.

It's Dangerous to the Environment

When tramp oil is heated, it can form polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are pollutants that have carcinogenic properties. You don't want these oils to leach into the ground or end up in a local water supply.

It Can Be a Health Hazard

When tramp oil mixes with coolants, anaerobic bacteria thrives. Tramp oil can irritate the skin, so workers who handle the machines are at risk for developing contact dermatitis. The bacteria may also release a foul, rotten-egg vapor and make working conditions uncomfortable. Tramp oil can also release heat, which creates fire hazards and smoke that may lead to respiratory infections.

It Can Slow Production

Tramp oil can actually change a coolant's ability to reduce friction between components and lubricate moving parts. Tramp oil affects the surface finish of a finished product since the machines won't be working at full efficiency. Plus, if tramp oil builds up, then it can wear down the machine prematurely, which can be quite costly to repair.

What Are the Ways to Separate and Remove Tramp Oil?

If you use the right purification equipment for your tramp oil, you could possibly see a 40 to 80  percent drop in your coolant costs and a corresponding decrease in disposal costs. Here are just a couple of ways to purify coolants and remove tramp oils during the manufacturing process.

Oil Skimmers

An oil skimmer is a large machine that removes tramp oil from the surface of a liquid, like water. As the oil floats, it hits a skimming component — like a mop or a belt — and it will adhere to that component and separate from the coolant.

Overflow Tank and Baffles

When tramp oil cannot be skimmed out of a machine, then an overflow tank and baffles may be used. Baffles are simply flow-directing vanes or panels that separate the tramp oil as coolant flows through to an overflow tank.

Centrifugal Force Devices

To separate tramp oil from coolant, the liquids are poured through a long tube. As this tube spins, the tramp oil and coolant separate into different areas because of their different weights and viscosities.

Once tramp oil has been separated by one of these methods, contact an oil recycling company. Because tramp oil is detrimental to the environment, you cannot just throw it away.

Additionally, once the tramp oil is separated from the coolant, some recycling companies are willing to pump out the oil and transport it to a recycling facility for further usage. For instance, some oils can be reused by customers as burner fuel for furnaces and boilers.

Be sure to reach out to us at Denver Oil  for more information about properly recycling tramp oil. We’ll help you protect your bottom line and the environment through proper tramp oil services.

Run a Car Wash at Your Auto Shop? What to Know About Wastewater

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 19:15:30 GMT

If you run an auto shop, you likely know the ins and outs of maintaining and recycling used petroleum-based products, such as antifreeze and motor oil. However, if you want to start running car wash services as well, you need to understand wastewater and how to properly dispose of it.

What Causes Wastewater in a Car Wash Facility?

Wastewater is a general term for any water affected by human use. As your customers' cars come through the car wash, clean water can become contaminated with chemicals and debris from the vehicles. For instance, as a car is cleaned, oil and grease — which contain hazardous materials like zinc and chromium — can mix into the water.

While cleaning agents will make your customers' cars clean, once these products contaminate water, they can be harmful to humans, plants, and animals if released into the surrounding soil and groundwater. For instance, detergents that may be biodegradable can still be poisonous to fish.

Some car wash detergents contain phosphates or other chelating agents used to soften hard water — which can cause excess growth in invasive plant species near bodies of water.

A common wheel cleaner for automatic car washes is ammonium bifluoride (ABF). ABF can cause respiratory problems and irritate people's eyes and skin. When ABF mixes with water, it can release hydrofluoric acid, which can cause vomiting, nausea, and fluoride poisoning if ingested.

Because wastewater is a huge concern for the environment and people's health, you need to dispose of it properly.

Do You Need to Set Up a System to Catch Wastewater?

According to the Clean Water Act — and EPA and OSHA standards — it doesn't matter if you want to run a self-service car wash, conveyor belt car wash, or an automatic car wash, you still need to figure out how to properly dispose of your wastewater at state-approved drainage, recycling, or treatment facilities.

You will need to investigate your municipality's wastewater facilities to see if the storm drainage system in your area is separate from the sanitary sewer system. If the storm drains connect to the sanitary sewer system, then the wastewater will need treatment at a plant before it's released into the environment.

If the two systems are separate, then that means that wastewater that runs off from your car wash could flow directly into local water sources without being treated. You will need to reroute your system so that wastewater doesn't just run off into the storm drain.

Furthermore, you should set up a filtration system for the wastewater before it is discharged into the sanitary sewer system. Filtration systems need to remove any solid particulates greater than 0.5 inch in diameter.

How Can You Dispose of Wastewater?

A professional recycling facility needs to dispose of the collected sludge from the filtration since it is special waste, or a hazardous waste.

Services that dispose of your motor oil and antifreeze may also safely dispose of your wastewater. It may sound strange to recycle water, but non-potable water (or non-drinking water) used in washing vehicles can be reclaimed for other uses if you use a dual piping system to keep your wastewater separate from storm drains.

A professional service can treat the wastewater, and you could reuse it to clean cars. It can be recycled for other purposes, such as:

Agricultural uses, like irrigation
Urban usage, like street cleaning and fire protection systems
Industrial usage, like in concrete production
Environmental usage, like in constructed habitats for flora and fauna

Contact us at Denver Oil to learn more about the proper disposal of wastewater. Technicians can collect used oil, contaminated fluids, and wastewater for proper recycling and disposal.

How to Safely Store Leftover Antifreeze for Recycling

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 21:14:00 GMT

If you run a car maintenance and servicing business, you need to learn how to safely dispose of various chemicals, like antifreeze. One of the main components of antifreeze is ethylene glycol. This chemical compound is a very effective anti-corrosive agent and lubricant. The problem is that even nontoxic brands are still dangerous for the environment and shouldn't just be thrown away.

Learn why antifreeze recycling is so important and how you should safely store it until a professional can transport it to a recycling center.

Why Does Antifreeze Need to Be Properly Disposed Of?

Some people dilute antifreeze with water if they cannot properly dispose of it and then dump it down their drains. However, diluted antifreeze can damage pipes and other plumbing components.

Diluted and/or nontoxic brands of antifreeze still need to be recycled because the chemicals are poisonous and can harm people, plants, and animals. Antifreeze may have the presence of lead and other heavy metals which are dangerous to people and to the environment.

Old antifreeze isn't useless; if you recycle it properly, it can be put back into circulation as new antifreeze. In fact, recycled antifreeze can sometimes be better than the original product since a recycling facility can remove impurities like chloride .

How Can You Safely Store Used Antifreeze?

Used and leftover antifreeze should be kept in either a metal or plastic barrel. Keep these barrels over a tarp or a nonporous concrete surface just in case there is a leak.

These barrels should always have lids on except when you need to add or remove waste. You should also wear protective gear, like goggles, gloves, and a facemask when handling leftover coolant.

You can store leftover antifreeze in reconditioned containers that you can purchase from a recycling service. Reconditioned containers are decontaminated and made with EPA-guidelines in mind so that they can safely be transported to and from businesses and recycling centers.

It's important that you educate yourself on your state's laws so that you know how these containers need to be labeled and sealed.

Make sure that each recyclable chemical has its own designated barrel. You shouldn't be mixing old antifreeze with other wastes, like radiator flush chemicals, oils, degreasers, etc. In fact, if you use funnels and other tools to pour antifreeze into your large barrels, these tools should only be used for antifreeze to avoid cross-contamination.

If antifreeze is contaminated with other chemicals, it cannot be reused. But that doesn't mean you should just pour it down the drain. Even if the antifreeze was polluted by oil, gas, etc., make sure that you label the container so that a recycling service can still properly dispose of the chemicals at a hazardous waste facility.

How Is Antifreeze Recycled?

You can get an onsite coolant recycling machine so that you can keep using the antifreeze without transporting it. However, if you don't have one of these devices, you need to contact a recycling service so that they can safely transport the antifreeze barrels.

When a recycling service picks up the antifreeze, it will be taken to a center that has machines that can remove heavy metals and impurities. For instance, the center may use an ion exchange in which positively charged ions attract "bad" components and separate them out. Then the recycling center may add chemicals that will keep the ethylene glycol from breaking down.

Contact us at Denver Oil today for more information about properly storing and recycling antifreeze. We also offer pick-up services so that you don't have to deal with transporting antifreeze, oil, and other chemicals at your place of business.

How and Why to Recycle Used Oil Filters

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 15:24:24 GMT

Once businesses set up their recycling programs, it becomes easier to find more items to include. A natural progression for companies involved in used oil recycling is to wonder why they do not recycle their filters. Recycling used oil filters is possible and can keep many reusable materials from going to a landfill.

Why it Matters

Used motor oil and steel are both reusable materials that can help to save natural resources when recycled. Each year, American consumers buy oil filters that contain an enormous amount of recyclable steel. Recycling one ton of steel saves about 4 cubic yards of space in a landfill, 1.8 barrels of oil and 10.9 BTUs of energy.

Used oil filters hold a lot more used oil than people may realize. Even after draining (a requirement before disposal because of EPA standards) the filter can still have 10 ounces of oil inside the canister. Used oil may leak out of the filters after they are tossed into garbage bags and could enter the soil at landfills.

How to Recycle

Companies that want to recycle their oil filter cans should begin with draining. Draining the oil prevents spills from taking place and helps recycling companies sort and haul the waste. The easiest way to drain oil filters is to puncture the dome end of the can and allow it to sit upside down in a funnel that drains into a recycling can or barrel.

Hot draining is the removal of the filter from the vehicle while it is still hot and immediately draining the oil. Since the heated oil could cause burns, only people with mechanical experience and proper safety equipment should attempt to hot drain filters.

Whether to Crush

Some recyclers prefer to crush their oil filters after they drain the oil. It takes less space to store crushed filters, and the crushing process can push out more of the waste oil still inside the filter. The removal of the oil also helps the filters to weigh less. Not every company that accepts used oil filters wants the casing crushed. Talk to the service first before buying a filter crusher.

The concern with crushed filters is that the crushing process cannot remove all the oil inside the filter. Also left inside the casing is the paper filter. Some recycling facilities do not want to recycle these mixed products due to the risks of material contamination, pollution issues from any oil that may leak from the cans, and the possibility of a recycling facility fire.

An option is to cut off the end of the steel casing and remove the paper filter. Press to remove the oil trapped in the material and dispose of the paper. Allow the open can to drain and then crush the steel. If this process seems too complex, talk to the collection service to learn about other options.

Paper-only oil filters may also have value for recycling because of the oil trapped in the paper fibers. Store these filters separately from the steel canister filters. Paper filters need careful storage to prevent the oil they have absorbed from draining where it may taint the soil or water. Ask your collection services if they also accept these filters for recycling.

Repair facilities, auto dealerships, and anyone that maintains a fleet will consistently need to decide what to do with their used oil and oil filters. Recycling is an environmentally sensible choice that enables businesses to prove to their customers that they care about their community. At Denver Oil , we can help make your recycling system more convenient than ever. Contact us today.

How to Dispose of Used Motor Oil Properly

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 02:23:21 GMT

Working on their car or truck at home is a hobby for some people, and people do tasks like oil and filter changes in garages every day. But what do you do with the used motor oil and filter once you remove them from the car? The responsible thing to do is recycle the used oil properly, and that is not hard to do if you follow a few simple steps.

Prepare the Oil for Recycling

When you are ready to drain the oil from your car, it is important that you use a drain pan or container to catch the oil that is clean and is used only for oil changes. Anything in the pan could get into the oil, making it unusable in some situations.

Drain the oil while it is warm, and then remove the filter from the car and place it in a container with the open side down so it can drain as well. The oil filter can hold as much as a quart of oil for large engines, but most have a capacity of six to eight ounces of dirty oil in them.

Once the oil is out of the car, use a funnel and pour the oil into a clean container like a gallon milk jug with a screw-on cap. Make sure the top seals tightly or you could have some oil spill in your car when you transport the oil to the recycler.

The oil filter needs to drain for a couple of hours, then you can put it in a large resealable plastic bag or an empty can that has a plastic snap-on lid. Just make sure that the container seals well so oil doesn’t leak out.

How to Store Used Oil

If you are not going to take the oil to the recycler right away, mark the container so that you know it is used oil, and store it in a cool, dark spot in your garage. Put a piece of cardboard under the container in case it drips or leaks while you are storing it.

Make sure the used oil is not in a place that it can get knocked over or spilled while you are storing it. Sometimes storing it and taking several containers to the recycler at once is necessary but it is not a good idea to keep too many containers of used oil on hand if you don't have to.

Where to Recycle Old Oil

You might be surprised how easy it is to find a place to recycle used motor oil. Most automotive shops will take your used oil, but it must be free of any other contaminates. You can recycle transmission fluid and other petroleum products, but you can't mix them in with the motor oil. The shop will not take the oil because it will contaminate their entire tank of used oil and the recycler will not take it.

Most of these shops also take used oil filters for recycling, but you may want to check with them to make sure they do.

Find a Local Recycling Program

Some cities and towns that operate transfer stations or recycling operations have oil collection tanks on-site, so if you can't find a garage to take your oil, check with your local government and see if there is a program in place that you can use. You may want to ask if they take the oil filters as well.

If you still can not find a place to recycle your oil, there are several organizations that operate websites with databases of recyclers and search options to help you locate one near you.

At Denver Oil , we collect and recycle motor oil and other petroleum products and sell used, refined oil for heating fuel in the local area. We are happy to work with you to collect used oil and can set up a program that works best for you. Give us a call to discuss the options today.

Recycling and Re-Refining Used Engine Oil for Reuse

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 21:34:50 GMT

Oil recycling is not a new idea. It has been happening for years all over the world, but with more and more people becoming aware of environmental protection concerns, re-refining and recycling oil are on the rise. Recycling services and refineries are even working together to produce high-quality oil products from the old oil the recyclers collect.

Re-Refining Used Oil

Motor oil is one of the most common products that are re-refined. Motor oil has a life span of about three to five thousand miles, and after that, the heat from the engine begins breaking down the oil. Re-refining this oil essentially cleans and restores the oil to its original state, making it usable as motor oil and other lubricants.

Dewatering the Oil

One of the biggest contaminants in used oil is water. The water is a result of the oil and additive breakdown that happens in the engine, and it has to be removed from the oil. In many cases, old oil can have as much as five to seven percent water in the oil when the refinery receives it.

Filtering and Restoring the Oil

Originally, filtering oil through clay and other products was the only way to clean it, but modern re-refining technology allows the oil to be purified and includes a process that replenishes hydrogen on a cellular level. The hydrocarbons in the oil absorb the hydrogen, refreshing them and restoring the properties of the original oil after refining.

Once the oil is clean, the refinery can add the appropriate additives to it and the oil can go back on shelves for use in cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Automotive lubricants such as automotive transmission fluid and hydraulic fluids can also be made from this oil.

Other Uses

Re-refining oil is not the only way to recycle oil. Often, used oil is distilled into diesel fuel or is sometimes burned in commercial boilers at power plants to generate electricity. Using old oil in these boilers saves a substantial amount of money and eliminates the need to use newly refined oil as a fuel, decreasing the depletion of non-replenishable resources.

Recycling Used Oil

Commercial automotive shops may have a large amount of oil on-site from the oil changes they perform, and many of these shops also take in oil from the public. The oil often comes from people that change the oil in their car at home. If the oil is brought to the auto shop, and if it is all oil and not mixed with other chemicals, the shop will often take the oil for free.

Large industrial facilities often use oil in their production as well, and collecting the oil in large storage tanks is a common practice. The oil may need some processing before it can be reused, but this oil is a viable product that has many other uses.

Collecting Used Oil

Oil collection services will pick up many different products, so check with a company in your area, but recyclers commonly accept all oil, hydraulic fluid, and transmission fluid. The oil collection service can pump your tank out, or they can provide drums for you to fill with the oil and then pick up the drums.

For small auto shops, several drums may be the best solution, but if your company is recycling large amounts of oil, you may want to consider installing a storage system for your waste oil.

At Denver Oil , we collect used oil, transmission fluid, and hydraulic fluid. We also collect antifreeze and other products that you may need to dispose of. We also offer high-quality recycled oil for burner fuel to heat your home or business. Give us a call today so we can discuss your oil collection needs in the Denver Metro area.

3 Ways Recycling Motor Oil Protects Earth's Water

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 20:16:00 GMT

You may have heard that dumping motor oil illegally down storm drains is bad for the environment, but you probably haven't heard of all the different ways it can affect Earth's water reserves. However, responsible disposal and recycling of used motor oil can actually help protect clean water reserves in several ways.

Here are three ways that using recycled motor oil and recycling your used oil can help Earth's water reserves.

1. Reduce Water Used in Oil Refining and Transportation

Motor oil is created from crude oil. This is relevant to clean water reserves because to harvest and process crude oil and turn it into motor oil is actually quite a water-intensive processes. In fact, refining one gallon of crude oil takes about two and a half gallons of water.

However, a gallon of used motor oil can produce the same amount of new, clean motor oil as 42 gallons of crude oil can. This means that when you recycle a gallon of used motor oil, you prevent the harvest, shipment, and processing of those 42 gallons. So one gallon of recycled oil can save 105 gallons of water that would otherwise be used to refine crude oil.

Recycling one gallon of used motor oil is also much less energy-intensive, which means that, again, it saves water. Power plants in the USA regularly use up billions of gallons of freshwater per day. So anytime you save energy or electricity, you save water as well.

2. Protect Water-Processing Organisms in Wetlands

Motor oil floats. And it's dark in color. These two aspects mean that when motor oil makes its way into surface water, it can form a film at the water's surface that blocks some of the sunlight from getting in. In addition, oil can block oxygenation.

Even if they don't come into contact with the oil and aren't poisoned directly, organisms such as algae and plants in a wetland habitat won't be able to function normally when deprived of the air and light they need.

Wetland organisms play a crucial role in filtering pollutants out of the water (such as fertilizers and dirt particles). Motor oil pollution in these habitats could reduce their effectiveness and allow more pollutants into main bodies of water such as lakes and rivers. So a motor oil spill that damages wetlands can directly work against Earth's clean water.

Recycling all your motor oil faithfully can help to avoid this problem.

3. Protect Groundwater and Drinking Water From Toxic Chemicals

One gallon of oil, improperly disposed of, can pollute 50 people's worth of water for an entire year (that's a million gallons). So theoretically, if just one in fifty people does this, it could ruin everyone's water supply for the next year. This means that even if you just have a tiny bit of motor oil to dispose of, recycling it could make a huge difference.

Some of the toxic constituents of used motor oil include heavy metals such as lead and arsenic as well as chemicals like dioxins and benzene. These aren't things you want to find in your drinking water.

These points only touch on some of the effects of recycling used motor oil versus dumping it down a storm drain. But as you can see, even without the effects on birds, agriculture, and the ocean, there’s still plenty of reasons to recycle motor oil. Your decision to buy recycled motor oil and turn your old oil in for recycling can help keep the Earth's water supply clean.

For more information about buying recycled motor oil or where to turn in any stockpiles of used oil you may have, get in touch with Denver Oil today. We also offer disposal and recycling services for other automotive products such as antifreeze and oil filters.

Burning Versus Recycling: Why Re-Refined Motor Oil Makes Sense

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 02:29:13 GMT

Recycling is not for just plastic and paper, but also for petroleum products. Many companies that produce waste oil will benefit from recycling more than they would with the use of a waste oil furnace. Recycling helps companies that produce large amounts of waste oil make money while it also protects the environment and conserves fossil fuels for future use.

Recycling

Motor oil brought to recycling centers comes from service stations, industrial manufacturers, and trucking companies with fleets to maintain. The material is potentially recyclable if it does not have certain other waste fluids like antifreeze mixed in with the oil.

Recycling companies refine the oil to remove any contaminants, water, and additives in the product. The process is like crude oil refinement that produces oil for vehicles and other equipment.

Re-refined oil, a term used to describe the finished product, is a high-quality oil that typically sells for a price comparable to fresh or virgin motor oils and other lubricants.

Businesses that choose to recycle can do it to help themselves or to help the environment. The following are some outcomes from recycling:

Businesses no longer need to worry about how to store and dispose of hazardous materials.
Recycling companies pay the company for the oil they retrieve from the business, so the company makes money on what they may have once paid to throw out.
Eco-friendly companies tend to earn more money than their less-green competition, according to a study by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Green America, and EcoVentures International.
Recycling saves resources because it takes only one gallon of used motor oil to produce a 2.5 quarts compared to 42 gallons of crude oil.
Improper disposal of the motor oil from one oil change is enough to pollute one million gallons of water.
Re-refined oil can undergo the refining process repeatedly to turn it into a raw material or a commercially usable product. This preserves uncollected fossil fuel supplies for future generations.

Overall, recycling is beneficial for your company.

Burning

Waste oil burning is a common method for many facilities that have large amounts of waste oil consistently on-hand. Waste oil furnaces burn used motor oil to produce heat in the same way that a traditional oil furnace heats a home or business. Unfortunately, once a furnace burns the oil, it is gone. The company does not have to worry about disposal, but reuse is not possible.

Traditional furnaces cannot use waste oil due to the impurities and the viscosity of motor oil. The result could cause clogged filters, blocked nozzles, and other issues that make the use of waste oil unrealistic. A waste oil furnace functions efficiently with used motor oil. The furnace can become disabled if the used oil mixes with other fluids. Here are challenges of using a waste oil furnace:

Businesses must invest in a specific furnace design to begin burning oil.
The collection and purity of the oil could cause damage to the furnace and lead to repair costs and a loss of heat for the company.
An inability to collect enough used oil internally forces the business to get used oil from other sources.
The company must consistently collect and store their oil throughout the year to keep their furnace operational through the winter.

At Denver Oil , our experienced team wants to reduce the amount of used oil that reaches landfills. Let us show you why you should stop throwing out your used oil or wasting a reusable product through burning. Contact us so we can discuss how your waste product could earn you money. Call today for more information.

4 Environmental Reasons to Recycle Motor Oil and Antifreeze

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 08:02:06 GMT

You probably know that motor oil isn't typically considered the most eco-friendly product. But how you handle motor oil and antifreeze waste can make a difference. And once you've seen how many ways recycling these waste products can benefit the earth, you'll realize how much it can help your green credibility as you market to eco-conscious consumers.

Here are some of the environmental reasons to recycle motor oil and antifreeze.

1. Provide Second Life to a Limited-Resource Product

Petroleum products are a limited resource on Earth, which means we cannot generate more than we already have. The best way to use the resource is to reuse it. Unlike some recycled materials that are less effective in their second lives, properly recycled motor oil or antifreeze still offers a high-quality product after recycling.

Typically, recycled motor oil is turned into new motor oil or into another oil product such as heating oil that can be used as fuel for oil furnaces. Antifreeze is simply cleaned of any contaminants it has picked up and turned back into clean, usable antifreeze.

2. Keep Oils Out of Landfills, Soil, and Groundwater

Using up all the earth's oil and then throwing it away isn't sustainable. But what makes it even less sustainable is the fact that when thrown away, the oil contaminates soil and groundwater. This is another great reason why petroleum-based products like motor oil and antifreeze should never be sent to a landfill.

When it contaminates groundwater, oil can be dangerous to humans who drink the water. And when it gets into the soil, motor oil can kill off necessary microbes, smother beneficial creatures such as earthworms, and make the soil unsuitable for growing gardens or crops. By recycling your petroleum-based products, you avoid this contamination.

3. Protect Freshwater and Marine Life From Oil Slicks

Although oil spills in the ocean are often due to leaking oil rigs or overturned ships, freshwater oil pollution is mainly due to used motor oil. In fact, used motor oil contaminates more water in America's lakes and rivers than any other source of pollution.

Once motor oil pollution hits a lake or river, the freshwater fish and other creatures can struggle to survive as the oil slick keeps out light. If you always recycle your used motor oil, you minimize this type of damage to the environment.

4. Avoid Toxic Reactions in Plants and Animals

Both motor oil and antifreeze can harm wildlife and plant life. Antifreeze can kill plants or, in some cases, severely stunt their growth. And since it's both sweet-tasting and toxic, it can easily kill any wildlife unlucky enough to come across a spill.

Motor oil can carry other toxic substances such as heavy metals that can kill wildlife and freshwater life as well. So no matter where these products are dumped, they can harm animals. To keep the toxic effects away from animals, be responsible and recycle motor oil and antifreeze for further use instead of throwing them out.

These are just four of the environmental benefits you gain when you recycle used motor oil and antifreeze. Whether you're a mechanic, a car maintenance establishment, or simply a car aficionado who likes DIY oil changes, your choices matter to the earth. Just two cups of disposed oil can pollute an acre of lake water, but recycling that oil prevents pollution.

Get in touch with Denver Oil today to learn more about what products we pick up, what products we sell, and how the recycling process works. We can schedule a pickup time at your convenience, typically within just a few days of your call.

Why Auto Service Shops Should Recycle Waste Oil

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 14:32:55 GMT

Why Auto Service Shops Should Recycle Waste Oil

Your auto service center likely does a lot of oil changes and other work that requires draining and replacing engine oil, leading to a lot of waste oil accumulation. What you do with that waste oil is important, because it must be either disposed of safely or recycled. Here are some reasons why your used oil should be recycled instead of just disposed of.

Disposal Regulations Vary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clear standards for used oil disposal. These standards have been put in place as federal regulations, and you must remain compliant with those regulations any time you dispose of used oil.

However, the EPA's regulations are not the only ones that you have to be concerned about. In fact, your state and local authorities may have additional standards and requirements that must be followed when disposing of used oil. In some cases, local regulations may even be more strict and challenging than the EPA's guidelines.

Since those disposal regulations don't apply to recycling used oil, and you can have used oil recycled easily with local companies, you will not have to worry about understanding and adhering to the varying regulations for your area in addition to the federal guidelines.

Recycling Protects the Environment

Used oil can be hazardous to the environment. If it is improperly disposed of, used oil is a serious contamination risk. When inadvertently introduced into groundwater, used oil can contaminate large bodies of water easily, potentially tainting sources of drinking water.

Recycling your oil ensures that the oil stays out of the groundwater and does not leach chemicals into the soil. The oil is removed from your service bays in the large storage drums or other storage containers, keeping the contents secure until that oil can be filtered and reused.

Recycling Costs Less Than New Production

Oil is costly to produce. Even oil produced from U.S. onshore drilling can cost as much as $50 per barrel. Oil produced offshore and overseas can be even more costly. This adds up to an expensive industry, and those costs are typically passed on to consumers and businesses.

In addition, oil resources are finite. Oil will gradually become harder to access, leading to higher production costs because of the increased effort to obtain it. Add to those increased costs the energy required for production, and it is easier to see why recycling is a good idea.

Used Oil Can Be Reused Indefinitely

When oil is used in a car's engine, it gradually picks up dirt, debris, and other particles from the engine compartment. The oil itself, though, remains functional and whole. Recycling used oil involves filtering out any contaminants to clean and purify it. Then, that oil can be used again in other applications.

Most oil can be filtered and reused many times, making recycling a worthwhile undertaking. In addition, recycled oil can even be used as a heating and electrical supply source. You reduce the demand on other resources when you use used oil this way, ultimately saving money on those resources and disposal when the oil finally reaches the end of its usable life.

Recycling used oil is a great way to deal with the oil that is likely accumulating in the oil pits of your service bays. When you work with a disposal and recycling company, you can even get storage drums and other containers to help you keep the oil secure while you await pickup services.

Contact us at Denver Oil today for more information. We will be happy to help you find your oil disposal and recycling resources to keep your garage functioning smoothly.