ASSESSMENT OF USED VEGETABLE AND MOTOR OILS IN ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Used oil is mineral or synthetic oil contaminated by physical or chemical impurities and that has impacts on human health and environment. In this assessment, the amount and disposal practices of used vegetable oil (UVO) and motor oil (UMO) in Addis Ababa were identified. The data was collected from the different sources of UVO and UMO such as hotels, cafes, restaurants, garages and fuel stations in Addis Ababa. Garages, hotels, cafes, fuel stations and restaurants were stratified and Qausi- randomly selected using probability sampling method and after data collection, based on the number of employees, the data was categorized in to small, medium and big levels. The assessment revealed that, there are enormous amount of UVO and UMO that has been generating from automotive service and food service establishments in Addis Ababa; however, the disposal practices are not environmentally sound. From each small, medium and big garages and fuel stations in the city; 399.7, 1418.7 and 2750.8 liters of UMO are being generated per month respectively (approximately 3.7 million liters of used motor oil are being generated/estimated monthly in AA). On the other hand; from each small, medium and big hotels, cafes and restaurants on average 125, 56, and 35 liters of UVO are being generated per month respectively. Approximately, on average more than 900,000 liters of UVO estimated to be generated monthly in Addis Ababa. Regarding used motor and vegetable oil disposal practices, from generated used motor oil in the city, 94% is disposed, 4% is both disposed and reused and only 2% of used oil is reuse. 87% of the used motor oils generated in Addis Ababa is get rid of through sale to other organizations or individuals with the price of 3 birr and 60 cents per litter on average and the remaining percent of UMO are pouring in the sewers and provide for any enterprises or individuals without any fee. It is notices that, the generator companies know the clients purpose of UMO, which may include but not limited to; for heating/burning at low temperature, machine lubrication in factories and for varnish making. The assessment also revealed that, from generated UVO in Addis Ababa, about 99% are disposed through pouring in sewers, ground, and toilet, remove with solid waste and provide for homeless children’s whereas only 1% of the UVO are sale for biodiesel production enterprise. Some of hotels, cafes and restaurants are reused the UVO for frying and cooking again. The Assessment also analyzes the existing potential of biodiesel production from UVO and UMO. Based on the percentage of Biodiesel production from UMO and UVO, the assessment estimates 3.8 million litters of Biodeisel production in Addis Ababa monthly and which could be reduced 10.6 million kg of CO2 emission released from petroulem Diesel and national cost of disiel import by______$ in month . The assessment also observed that, existing policies, regulations and guidance of used oil management in the city. According to this assessment, at present time there is not clear policy in place for the management of used oils in the country. However, the AAEPA has developed used oil management guideline for voluntary use and do not enforce mandatory use for both used oil generators and users as well inspectors. From the assessment, it is recommend that, the government need to formulate and implement policies, law and regulation or bylaws to manage the used oil and promote the recycling of used oil. As well, the government should monitor and conduct continuous awareness creation programs for all stakeholders involved in UMO and UVO use and disposal to prevent environmental pollution and impact on human health. It is also recommends that, more industry and businesses should be set up as facilities to recycle used oil or convert used oil to energy.