An analysis of used lubricant recycling, energy utilization and its environmental benefit in Taiwan

Utilizing used lubricants as energy sources has been currently demonstrated to be one of the best available waste management methods. In this regard, used lubricants for use as energy sources in Taiwan thus became popular in recent years. The objective of this study was to present a comprehensive analysis of used lubricant-to-energy in Taiwan, which includes status of lubricant consumption, and used lubricant generation and its recycling (i.e., collection & treatment) management system. It was found that a major market for utilizing used lubricants in Taiwan (over 90%) was reused as fuel oils or auxiliary fuels in the cogeneration system. Under the regulatory authorization of the Waste Management Act and the Petroleum Administration Act, the central competent authorities encouraged the energy-intensive industries in the waste-to-energy through the excess electricity purchase and subsidiary incentives. Based on the certified volume of collected used lubricant and its energy use proportion in 2009, the total energy potential and the environmental benefit of mitigating CO2 emissions in place of fuel oils were preliminarily calculated to be around 9.4 × 102 TJ and 7.3 × 107 kg, respectively.

► A comprehensive analysis of used lubricant-to-energy in Taiwan was carried out, including generation and its recycling management system.
► Legislative influences on used lubricant recycling are significant because of subsidiary incentives, including recycling fee submitting and surplus electricity selling.
► Total energy potential and environmental benefit of mitigating CO2 emissions were preliminarily calculated to be around 9.4 × 102 TJ and 7.3 × 107 kg, respectively.