Abstract:

This study investigates the disposal of used oil produced from different sources at the filling stations, and attempts to identify policy gaps and suggest remedial measures. Uganda does not have clear policy guidelines and regulations on used oil collection, storage and disposal, which leaves room for inconsistencies of disposal methods. Used oil contains hazardous heavy metals like lead and mercury, as well as persistent organic substances with the potential to degrade the environment and pollute water sources and the soils which support food production. Six types of filling stations were selected for data collection. Data collection involved asking the management at each filling station for information on record of used oil sources, volume in litres, frequency of collection, means of storage and disposal of all used (waste) oils in the past one month. The results show that motor vehicles are the single most important sources of used oil in Kampala. Some filling stations mix used oil from petrol cars and diesel cars, and only 25% separate them completely in different cans or drums. Level of awareness regarding used oil disposal methods is still very low. A few respondents knew about recycling of used oil. To reduce environmental exposure to risks of used oil, collection and storage at the filling stations are important links to effective monitoring plan. Therefore, there is need to develop simple and cost-effective storage and pre-disposal treatment equipment to reduce possible leakage into the environment.