EPA Circular Economy and Waste Statistics data release May 2024. Data reference year 2022.
In 2022, approximately 30,000 tonnes (t) of oils were placed on the market in Ireland.
Over 28,000 t of waste oils were separately collected in 2022 and, once adjusted for imports and exports, over 22,000 t of waste oils were finally treated and used for energy recovery in Ireland.
The quantities of oils placed on the market in Ireland in 2020, 2021 and 2022 are shown below. This time series will develop over time as this is a new reporting requirement.
The Waste Framework Directive requires Member States to report on oils and waste oils for each calendar year. This is a new reporting obligation which is still in development at EU and IE level.
The categories of waste oils that come within the scope of this reporting include any mineral or synthetic lubrication or industrial oils which have become unfit for the use for which they were originally intended. Examples include used combustion engine oils and gearbox oils, lubricating oils, oils for turbines, and hydraulic oils.
When used, oils are burned up and gain water. As a result, oil tonnages placed on the market are usually greater than separately collected amounts of waste oil.
Pre-treatment of separately collected waste oil in Ireland removes water, resulting in waste oil that can be used for energy recovery. In 2022, 22,029 t of waste oil was made available for energy recovery in Ireland and 1,795 t was made available for energy recovery abroad. In Ireland the finally treated waste oil is used in the asphalt production process.
Waste oils are hazardous waste and therefore the proper management of this waste is crucial to ensure that damage to the environment is prevented and there is no risk to water, soil, air, plants, or animals.
