Mandated use of re-refined oils in motor oils; six operating re-refining plants;
funded by lube oil sales taxes; collectors and re-refiners both subsidised; only 10%
of used oil can be directed to cement kilns. The collection efficiency of used oil has
increased from 42.6% in 2008 to 48.7% in 2009.
56 An incentive for recycling comes
in the form of reduced excise duty. In Italy, re-refined product pays 50% of the
excise duty applied to virgin lubricant. This tax advantage is granted only if the
used oils for re-refining are collected in Italy. The EC has requested Italy to cease
application of the ruling concerning used oil from outside of Italy. 57 Also, it was
estimated that the quantity of used oil collected by the COOU consortium is
steadily over 95% of the collectible oil.