Waste oil – a valuable resource
Waste oil is a residual product that occurs when oil is used in vehicles, machinery and industrial processes. But what many people see as waste is an unutilised raw material. A circular mindset enables waste oil to be given a new life and put to good use again – and protects the environment from hazardous pollutants.
29 Apr 2025Why is waste oil hazardous?
If waste oil enters the natural environment, it can cause major damage. This is because waste oil contains contaminants that do not degrade in nature but persist and spread into ecosystems. Waste oil often contains heavy metals that can harm both flora and fauna. In the past, large volumes of waste oil were incinerated, a method that both wasted resources and caused unnecessary emissions. The law now states that waste oil must be recycled, although it is only with the correct technology and processes that it can truly be given a new life.
From waste product to new resource
Here at Ragn-Sells, waste oil is collected from industrial sites and businesses all over Sweden. It is then treated in an advanced, three-phase separation process, in which water, sludge and contaminants are removed. The result is a high-quality oil that can compete in the market with virgin oil – and with a much lower environmental impact. The recycling process takes place at two different locations, depending on which kind of oil is involved:
- Lubricating oil, which is used in engines and machinery, is sent by train to our business partner in Germany for further refining.
- Fuel oil, which is used as fuel for vessels and in industry, is handled at our facility in Högbytorp, near Stockholm. Here we can also use unique treatment technology to take care of oily water and transform it into usable fuel.
What can you do?
Even though most of the waste oil comes from industry, there are a few things that you can bear in mind as an individual to make a difference:
- Take waste oil and oil filters to a recycling station – never pour oil down the drain or mix with other waste.
- Store waste oil in a sealed container to prevent any leakage.
- Ask for recycled lubricating oils – the more people there are using recycled oil, the greater the incentive to treat and reuse it.
The waste oil is transported to Germany for regeneration to new oil.
A circular future for waste oil
Reusing waste oil enables us to reduce the environmental impact, save resources and create a more circular future in which raw materials are reused again and again. It’s a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy – and an important step towards a sustainable society.
