The cultural shift towards waste oil heating
In the past decade, there’s been a shift across most sectors to incorporate more sustainable business and environmental practices. The advent of ESG or environmental, social, and governance, has encouraged businesses to adopt responsibility metrics and standards and take a thorough look at their practices to better serve their communities. One of the developments in the energy sector is the growing adoption of waste oil heating systems. And, while the concept is far from new, the technology is now so much better that it actually makes sense to burn waste oil in a waste oil heater or boiler to save money, time, and reduce the risk of improper disposal. This movement not only reflects a heightened awareness of environmental issues but also highlights an innovative approach to managing waste and energy resources.
What do we mean by waste oil heating?
Waste oil heating is the utilization of waste or used oils, such as those from automotive or industrial sources, to generate heat in a waste oil heater or hot water in a waste oil boiler. Waste oil is considered a hazardous waste and needs to be handled in accordance with the regulations set forth by the EPA.
EnergyLogic’s waste oil heaters and boilers are manufactured to the highest standards and are perfect for the reuse of waste oil for many different industries, including automotive, fleets, agriculture, industrial, and more. For more information on the rules and regulations around burning waste oil, consult the following resources:
The environmental impact of reusing waste oil
When reusing waste oil, a business can realize a host of benefits for the business and the community. From an environmental standpoint, the benefits of not being responsible for hauling away waste oil and overseeing the proper disposal of it is a good thing for businesses. It also appeals to the companies and individuals that want to protect their communities from hazardous waste spills and improve their environmental stewardship. Deciding to burn waste oil for heat or hot water, has environmental upsides, including:
- Waste Reduction: Reusing waste oil for heat reduces the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or be improperly disposed of, thereby mitigating potential environmental contamination. For those businesses currently paying to haul waste oil away, the burden of responsibility rests with the waste oil producer if the waste oil is improperly disposed of.
- Resource Efficiency: Utilizing waste oil for heating is an effective way to recycle and reclaim valuable energy resources. Instead of relying on virgin fossil fuels, which have a higher environmental footprint and cost more, waste oil heating makes use of existing materials that would otherwise be discarded. To calculate the full value of your waste oil, check out our ROI calculator.
- Lower Emissions: Modern waste oil heaters are designed to burn oil cleanly and efficiently, producing fewer emissions compared to traditional heating methods. This contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Economic Advantages
Beyond the environmental impact, waste oil heating offers numerous economic benefits, which are usually the reason why businesses invest in waste oil heaters and boilers. For good reason too, as waste oil heating can save businesses thousands of dollars on their energy bills. For small-to-medium sized businesses, that can make a huge difference to spending and growth potential.
- Cost Savings: This is the number one reason why businesses choose to invest in a waste oil heater or boiler. Instead of purchasing expensive heating oil or natural gas, they can use waste oil that they generate, which is often available at little to no cost.
- Energy Independence: Waste oil generators can reduce their reliance on external energy providers which can help to reduce uncertainty when energy policies change or the price of natural gas and oil fluctuates.
- Incentives and Support: Hello tax incentives! Section 179 of the US tax code deals with tax deductions for business equipment.
What does the shift towards a greater acceptance of waste oil heating look like?
A few things have made it more likely that businesses will adopt waste oil heating. The first is that the technology for waste oil heaters has drastically improved. EnergyLogic’s waste oil heaters and boilers burn hotter and more efficiently than all previous versions, meaning a cleaner burn and less maintenance required on all machines. It’s a far cry from the DIY waste oil burners of the past.
Additionally, the move to reusing waste oil fosters a sense of community responsibility and collective action towards a common environmental goal.
Embracing waste oil heating showcases the ability of individuals and businesses to innovate and adapt to changing environmental and economic landscapes. It reflects a proactive approach to problem-solving and resource management.
The challenges to waste oil heating adoption
Despite its many advantages, waste oil heating is not without challenges and full adoption is a hard goal to meet. Some of the sticking points include:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that waste oil heating systems meet local and national regulations is crucial. Compliance with emissions standards and proper disposal of residues are essential to prevent potential environmental harm.
- Initial Investment: The cost of installing waste oil heaters can be a barrier for some. Although there are long-term savings, the upfront investment might deter widespread adoption without adequate financial support or incentives.
While there are challenges to overcome, the environmental, economic, and social benefits make waste oil heating an increasingly attractive option for those seeking to reduce their ecological footprint and embrace more sustainable living practices.
