What Is Wrong With The Current System? Why Do We Need A Sustainable Market-Driven Solution Throughout The Plastic Lubricant Container Value Chain?
Previously, we’ve explored how BIG the lubricant container waste problem is, as well as, articulated the current problems with lubricant bottles methods of collection, aggregation, and processing. Today, we illustrate what is wrong with the current system and why we need a sustainable market-driven solution throughout the plastic lubricant container value chain.
The rise in the production of transportation units in the United States has led to higher consumption of maintenance products, such as lubricant oil. In 2018, the total production was estimated to be around 11 million units, having risen 30%[1] in the previous 10 years. This expansion puts pressure on the existing recycling infrastructure, which has not adapted to the needs of the entire recyclables stream.
The end-of-life management of the lubricant containers is of high relevance due to the increase of the number of difficult degradation types of plastics that end up in landfills each year and the low potential of acceptance by recycling facilities. Even after oil changes, around 2 oz of the product remains in the container. Therefore, the container itself is considered hazardous waste by recyclers and should be managed separately from other plastic waste.
The increased cost of recycling combined with lower market prices for post-consumer resins causes that most of the HDPE lubricant containers are landfilled. Lubricant containers, made from pigmented HDPE, are 7.5 times less likely to be recycled and their degradation can take up to 100 years depending on the thickness of the container.
Investments in collection and recycling infrastructure are needed to help meet the US’s disposal management needs and create a resilient solid waste system that can withstand an increasing demand and pressures from disruptions.
The implementation of effective and sustainable waste management strategies is of critical importance for the US. The challenges with recycling HDPE from lubricant containers, given the costs of virgin plastics, have resulted in minimal solutions. Therefore, landfills are the only economic choice for disposal over other options such as recycling or incineration. Identifying methods to reduce the cost of recycling lubricant containers relative to landfilling should be a priority.
From industries to households, everyone has an essential role in reducing the lubricant container waste problem in the US. The US lubricant industry is taking a leadership stance on this national issue with the formation of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition (NLCRC). Our founding leaders include Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil - Quaker State Company, Graham Packaging, and Plastipak Packaging.
Learn how the NLCRC is addressing the waste problem by becoming a member. Connect with us through LinkedIn and Twitter. If you have any questions or inquires, send us an email at hello@nationallcrc.com.
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[1] According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS).
