August 16, 2024 – The Used Oil Management Associations of Canada today announced that they’ve recovered 81.5%* of used oil available for collection in 2023. Canada’s high used oil recovery rate demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, and conserving valuable, non-renewable resources.
UOMA is made up of nine industry-led provincial stewardship programs that work in close collaboration to guide Canadian used oil recycling. in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2023*, 253.3 million litres were collected in these provinces.
“The original used oil materials EPR program was created by industry in consultation with government over 25 years ago to form the foundation for nine EPR programs in Canada. This solid foundation, combined with the provincial associations’ effective collaboration today, results in these remarkable recovery rates,” says Jerry Coben, current chair of the National Used Oil Material and Antifreeze Advisory Council (NUOMAAC).
By implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, UOMA creates positive environmental, economic, and social impacts for its members and all Canadians.
Used oil recovery programs provide accessible recycling services, which diverts large amounts of used oil and glycol products from landfills and supports the economy through recycling solutions. In most of Canada, producers of automotive/engine maintenance materials are required by regulations to have a collection and management program for the materials that they make and sell. The Used Oil Management Associations (UOMAs) of Canada oversee these programs on behalf of producers.
Used oil can be re-refined, creating a closed-loop system where used oil is transformed back into usable products without needing to extract new resources. It’s a win-win for the environment and reduces our reliance on non-renewable resources.
To learn more about the program and products that can be recycled, or to find a drop off location or registered collector to pick up larger quantities of used oil products visit usedoilrecycling.com.
* Alberta’s data is from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023.
About the Used Oil Management Associations of Canada
Inter-provincial cooperation of the provincial Used Oil Management Associations (UOMA) is formalized through the National Used Oil Material and Antifreeze Advisory Council (NUOMAAC), which coordinates the Canadian used oil and antifreeze materials recycling effort and encourages national standards. The waste streams include used oil, used oil filters, used antifreeze, used plastic oil/antifreeze/DEF containers and pails, and aerosol cans. For more information, visit https://usedoilrecycling.com.
