In last months Lubetalk, we discussed the issues surrounding the improper disposal of used oil and what it can do to our environment. There are still many problems that exist because few states have followed the guidelines set by previous White House Administrations. Former President Clinton's executive order on recycling required that, by April 20, 1994, federal agencies implement guidelines for the procurement of re-refined oil-based lubricants for all government vehicles. Executive Order 13149 "Greening the Government Through Federal Fleet and Transportation Efficiency," directs, "no federal agencies shall purchase, sell or arrange for the purchase of virgin petroleum motor vehicle lubricating oils when re-refined oils are reasonable available and meet the vehicle manufacturer's recommended performance standards." State agencies are now highly encouraged to use re-refined oil. Below, a few states are mentioned as well as their departments:

• California:
  California is one of the leading states that understands the importance of recycling. According the California Integrated Waste Management Board in 2001, several state agencies have been using re-refined oil in their fleets. As of January 2000, all state agencies are required to spend at least 50 percent of the total dollars allocated for lubricating oils on re-refined oil. In the year 2000 the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) has been using nearly 90,000 gallons of re-refined oil in their vehicles. The department of Forestry and Fire Protection has about 3,000 vehicles including heavy duty equipment for fire control, snow removal, and road maintenance. They have followed CalTrans' lead and have been using re-refined oil almost exclusively. Nearly 400 fire engines valued at approximately $200,000, are lubricated with re-refined oil. According to Gary Selig, mobile equipment manager, "The quality of re-refined oil isn't an issue with us. It is comparable to virgin oil." The California Highway Patrol spends about $110,000 on 22, 000 gallons of re-refined oil.
• Oklahoma:
  Oklahoma Statutes and Regulations reference a preference for the purchase of products with recycled content. The mandated preference is for re-refined lubricating oil, gear oils and hydraulic oil. There is also a preference for asphalt made from recycled materials.
• Kansas:
  There is no mandate in Kansas for the purchase of materials with recycled content for any products other than paper.
• Iowa:
  State statutes require that state officials promote the procurement and purchase of lubricating oils and other petroleum products that are made from recycled oils. Purchasing agents are to give preference for lubricating oil purchases to the vendor with the greatest percentage of recycled oil.
• Nebraska:
  The Nebraska Used Oil Collection and Reuse Program ensures all Nebraskans can dispose of oil properly. Used oil collected through the program will be reused, recovered for energy, used in asphalt applications or re-refined.
• Texas:
  The state of Texas has what they call a Used Oil Recycling Program. Texas law prohibits dumping used oil on land or into sewers or waterways. Texas has also banned used oil filters from being placed in or accepted for disposal in a landfill. The goals of the Used Oil Recycling Program are to: increase participation of public and private sector organizations and companies as used oil collection centers, increase collection of used oil by collection centers, increase recycling by increasing the number of collection centers, and to provide education and technical guidance to the regulated community and the public.

As always, if you have any questions about our lubricants or your equipment applications, please feel free to callTechnical Services Dept. at 1-800-444-6457.

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