Figures on waste oils generated in selected European countries (collectable and collected
portions of the lubricating oils in the EU) have been reported by the U.S. Department of
Energy. According to European Commission resources, about 5 MMT of base oils are
consumed in Europe annually, with the automotive and industrial sectors accounting for 65%
and 35% respectively. More detailed information on waste oils was reported as follows:
• 50% of consumed oil is lost during use (combustion, evaporation, residue left in
containers etc.);
• 50% is collectable waste oil;
• Engine oil represents more than 70% of collectable waste oil (1.75 MMT);
• Industrial oils comprise the balance of 30%;
• The average waste oil collection rate reached 70 to 75% in the EU in 2000 (1.25
MMT);
• The remaining 25 to 30% is assumed to be illegally burnt or dumped in the
environment;
• These phenomena widely vary from country to country;
• The efficiency of collection systems is often high for engine oils (>80%) and low for
black industrial oils (