Used oil

Products: engine oil, machine oil, gear oil, lubricating oil
Info: Mineral oils mixed with solvents or other organic liquids can no longer be recycled. The highly toxic PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) as an additive in electrical oil radiators, condensers and transformers until the 1970s and can still be found in older appliances today. It should never be mixed with regular mineral oil.

Avoiding/reducing: Use high-quality mineral oils with a long service life and use low oil consumption machinery and equipment. Never use used oil as a combustible fuel.

Recycling/environmentally sound disposal: Uncontaminated mineral oils are recycled back into mineral oils. The emulsions are separated into oil and water and the oil is used as an energy source. Contaminated oils and oils contaminated with PCBs are disposed of by high-temperature treatment.