AVISTA OIL Refining and Trading, USA

FAQs

What happens to my used oil after UES collects it?

Once the used oil is collected, it is tested to certify that it is “non-hazardous” and meets the criteria for “on-specification” used oil as outlined by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Regulations 40 CFR Part 279. Primarily, the used oil will be re-refined into new base oil, where it will be formulated and blended into new lubricant oils, hydraulic oils and engine oils. Secondarily, if the used oil cannot be re-refined, it will be used as a fuel oil for industrial plant users as an alternative to virgin produced fuels such as #2, #3, #4 or #5 oil.

What is the benefit of re-refining used oil? 

Re-refining used oil is the upcycling of a non-renewable resource. Most new oils are produced through the refining of crude oils, much of which is purchased from other countries. Re-refining of used oil does not require new natural non-renewable resources because used oil can be re-refined endless times. It never loses its base oil qualities. The re-refining process will remove and restore the oil into its “virgin” base oil condition ready for reformulating with additive packages to produce the highest quality oils on the market.

Who is UES and why should I use UES as my service provider?

Over the past three years, Avista AG has invested the resources into UES to foster a complete transformation. Avista is the biggest used oil collector in Europe and operates two re-refineries (one in Germany and one in Denmark); it is also the biggest re-refiner in Europe. We made the decision as a company to invest in the highest quality re-refining process in the used oil industry. We have constructed a 50 million gallon per year refinery in Peachtree City, Georgia. We have invested substantial capital into a new fleet of collection trucks and processing equipment. Last October, UES and Avista completed the purchase of a regional used oil collection company to further strengthen our company’s position in the southeast market.

UES understands it is a privilege to have you as a customer. We adhere to the highest industry standards and government regulations. We strive to improve daily and provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. If you have a complaint or concern we will address it swiftly and to the best of our ability to your satisfaction. UES employs a highly trained and dedicated service staff that strives to exceed our customer expectations.

What other services does UES provide?

UES provides collection and recycling of antifreeze, non-hazardous oily water, used oil filters, vacuum services and universal waste services. UES is dedicated to the recycle by reuse model. Used antifreeze is processed through state of the art recycling methods to produce a new base glycol product. Used oil filters are processed removing the used oil retained in the filter, the metal filter casing is then sent to steel mills to produce the next generation of metal products. To learn more about these services click on the links located on our home page.

If I am a DIY (Do-it-Yourself) producer where can I take my oil to be properly recycled?

Many of the auto parts stores have DIY recycle locations. Many cities provide recycling service centers to its local citizens. Wal-Mart offers one of the most comprehensive DIY recycling programs in the country. Each DIY collection center is located in the Wal-Mart Supercenter TLE (Tire and Lube Express) department. The website www.earth911.com also provides information regarding local recycling centers.

What is my used oil worth?

Used oil is a supply and demand commodity. Although used oil does not have an index and it is not officially traded as a commodity, the price does correlate with several commodity indexes such as NYMEX crude, #6 oil, residual fuel oils and others. Supply and demand have the largest effect on the price however. Volume and service frequency also contribute to the value of used oil. UES bases payment on the volume and quality of the used oil. A UES sales representative will tailor a program that fits the customer’s needs and service requirements.

Can used oil be mixed with other materials?

In general it should not be mixed with any other material. Used oil is regulated and must be tested for hazardous waste characteristics. Mixing used oil with other products such as brake cleaners, solvents, paint wastes or other similar products, could result in a hazardous waste mixture that would require the resulting mixture to be managed as a hazardous waste.

Used oil should not be mixed with your used antifreeze or oily water. This diminishes the value of the used oil. Antifreeze should be kept in a separate approved and properly labeled container for collection. Oily water should be kept in a separate approved and properly labeled container for collection.

Does UES collect and manage hazardous waste?

No, UES is strictly a non-hazardous collection and recycling service provider.

If you have further questions, please submit them through our “contact us” link on our home page.