Number: 1980-14
WHEREAS, over one billion gallons of waste lubricating oil is generated in the United States from automotive, industrial, aviation, and miscellaneous uses; and
WHEREAS, only about 10 percent of this waste oil is re-refined for reuse as a lubricant, which is the most energy-conserving method of utilizing the oil, compared with about 50 percent reported for the European Economic Community; and
WHEREAS, more than 340 million gallons per year of waste oil cannot be accounted for, much of it being discarded, with resultant contamination of ground and surface waters; and
WHEREAS, improperly discarded waste oils may damage freshwater and marine organisms, interfere with the operation of sewage treatment plants, contaminate municipal wastewaters and sludges and dredged materials (which complicates the safe management and disposal of these wastes), and adsorb dangerous pesticides and other chemicals (increasing their toxicity to man and other species); and
WHEREAS, waste lubricating oils can be recycled and put to a number of productive uses; and
WHEREAS, only 16 states have laws requiring or encouraging the proper disposal or recycling of waste lubricating oils, and many states and municipalities lack such laws; and
WHEREAS, the use of recycled lubricating oils on a wider basis would reduce U.S. demand for foreign oil and is clearly in the national interest;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby urges the states, counties, and municipalities of the United States to develop and implement waste oil recycling and re-refining programs.