Ways the Department of Defense Can Improve Oil Recycling

Gao ID: LCD-77-307 September 28, 1977

Federal agencies must dispose of about 18 million gallons of used lubricating oil annually, most of it from Department of Defense (DOD) installations. DOD has recognized the value of recycling used oil and has assumed the lead role in the government's procurement, use, and disposal of this resource.

Federal agencies with large automotive fleets are not achieving maximum recovery of the 18 million gallons of used lubricating oil each year, and some disposal practices damage the environment. There is neither a focal point among federal agencies to provide guidance to federal installations nor a management structure with specific levels of authority and responsibility to deal with the problems of used oil conservation and disposal. Because of this, no one knows the total amount generated and its ultimate disposition. Such information is vital to properly manage used oil. Meanwhile, DOD could take several actions to improve oil recycling by the military services.

Recommendations

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