NORA - Association of Responsible Recyclers

NORA Member Environmental Resource Associates Offers New Natural Line of Absorbent

noemail@noranews.org — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 19:00:00 GMT

NORA Member Environmental Resource Associates announces the availability of a new natural line of absorbent.

An eco-friendly line of absorbent pads made of natural plant by-products, and featuring woven construction, has been introduced by Oil Eater. Designed to provide a safer and cleaner workplace, they help companies to meet OSHA and EPA requirements.

The line includes Oil Only Pads and Rolls, Universal Pads and Rolls and Absorbent Socks.

The pads will absorb up to 20 percent more than melt blown polypropylene pads, yet cost less. All are available in a variety of weights and finishes.

Product sizes range from 16-inches x 18-inches to 28-inches by 150-ft. rolls. Weights include light, medium and heavy.

Applications include production lines, industrial and maintenance facility floors, loading docks, paint shop floors and others.

Oil Only products soak up oil yet repel water. Universal products soak up oil, water and other liquids. Absorbent Socks control larger spills and protect drains.

For information, visit http://www.oileater.com or call Warren Gortze 1-508-428-6282 or email eragortze@comcast.net for a free sample and don’t forget to ask for a free sample of our OIL Eater Cleaner/Degreaser a high powered waterbased cleaner that is non corrosive, non toxic, non hazardous and is guaranteed to clean carbon, oil, sludge,and dirt from tanks, floors, drums, concrete, asphalt, equipment, housings, bearings, shafts and much more.

28-Feb-08 1:00 PM

Uk Calls for Changes in Waste Oil Protocol

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Attempts to cut the red tape governing recycled waste vegetable oil have been broadly welcomed by Europe's largest environmental technology trade association as a "positive step". However, the Environmental Industries Commission - which represents 320 environmental technology and service bodies - has criticized some elements of the biodiesel Quality Protocol being developed by the Environment Agency and WRAP. In particular, it is warning that a company recycling oil into biodiesel under the Protocol could not use the resulting fuel on its own site.

Under the quality protocol, the EA sets out criteria for when waste vegetable oil ceases to be a "waste" in the eyes of the law, and becomes the product biodiesel. The protocol is based on the recovered oil conforming to the British standard BS:EN 14214 or the alternative, BS: EN 14078. Accordingly, biodiesel derived from waste vegetable oil would have to be produced via a "chemical process" and used for combustion in "automotive engines".

The EIC - whose members include oil-recycling companies such as D1 oils and Eco-oil Ltd - claimed in its response to the 12-week consultation to the protocol that the protocol as it stands could restrict the use of biodiesel as a product to off-site use.

EIC director Merlin Hyman said, "The Protocol states that waste vegetable oil (WVO) derived biodiesel ceases to be a waste 'when it has been dispatched to the customer. This on one hand is a positive step, but its use offsite as a diesel fuel is not its only use. It can be used as fuel in the boilers or power generators onsite. We do not believe that its use should be restricted to offsite use. Also it would seem rather odd to store it onsite as waste. WVO biodiesel should cease to be a waste once it has met the requirements of BS: EN 14214.”

22-Jan-08 3:00 PM

German Biodiesel Industry Near Collapse

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

The biodiesel industry in Germany is nearing a state of collapse because of a tax increase that kicked in at the first of the year, according to a report on Reuters.

Biodiesel refiners in Germany are only producing at 10 percent capacity, according to the Reuters story from a European biodiesel conference. That's down from 20 percent the year before. Because of the downturn, some biodiesel manufacturers are taking apart their factories and selling the equipment to manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada.

Like solar energy, biofuels still largely depend upon government support and subsidies. Biodiesel costs more than regular diesel. You don't have to dig deep wells in the ground to get at it, but making it largely requires growing crops and harvesting plant oils. Biodiesel can be made out of waste vegetable oil and animal fat, but there's not nearly as much available as one might think.

To make biodiesel competitive, U.S. refiners get 50 cents a gallon (for used oil) to $1 a gallon (for virgin oil) in subsidies. Not so in Germany. Instead, the government taxes biodiesel. The taxes began in 2006 because the government didn't want to give up the revenue. Thus, biodiesel isn't cost competitive there anymore. (Biodiesel provides around 11 percent less energy than regular diesel as well, which probably further hurts.)

Ironically, the E.U. is currently implementing many green technology initiatives and trying to come up with ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Diesel cars are also far more popular there than in the U.S. Sales of biodiesel in Europe so far exceed sales in the U.S.

22-Jan-08 3:00 PM

Air Force Center in TN Receives Recycling Award

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

In recognition of significant waste diversions achieved from October 2006 through September 2007, the Arnold Engineering Development Center received the Government Recycler of the Year award on January 18 from the Tennessee Recycling Coalition. In her award notification to AEDC, Gail Randolph, Chair for TRC Awards stated, The men and women at AEDC provide an outstanding service to our nation in testing for our future air and space systems and supporting the war on terror. While accomplishing that mission, the facility strides to set the example in reducing, reusing and recycling our valuable resources. According to Frank Duncan, Air Force Environmental Quality Program manager, 47.1 percent of all non-hazardous solid waste was diverted to recycling activities. This included 2,149 tons of construction and demolition materials, 2,039 tons of scrap metal, 244 tons of paper and cardboard and 147 tons of other materials. In addition, AEDC personnel were credited with recycling 76.1...

22-Jan-08 3:00 PM

Oregon HEAT Partners With NORA Member To Introduce Oil Recycling Program

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Partnering with the environmental award-winning oil recycler, Oil Re-Refining Company, Oregon HEAT is ramping up a new and different kind of statewide oil donation program.

This endeavor will help ease the burden on low-income Oregonians who face volatile heating oil prices, all while reducing petroleum waste products in Oregon. The oil program also helps Oregon HEAT and its partners reach more at-risk families and expand service to new areas of Oregon.

“The recent record-breaking costs of heating oil can leave families with the stark choice of trying to heat their home or pay for other essentials like food and health care,” says Executive Director Roger Rees. “ORRCO’s commitment to the community will make a huge difference for local families in crisis – not to mention our ecosystem.”

President of ORRCO, Bill Briggs, says he sees the partnership with Oregon HEAT as timely and absolutely essential. “We are proud to partner with Oregon HEAT in recycling oil products to help people to stay warm. What could be better? This is neighbor helping neighbor exemplified – and demonstrates how local businesses are committed to making a difference.”

In just its first 50 days, the program has received pledges of nearly 5,000 gallons worth upwards of some $10,000. Rees says that’s just the tip of the iceberg, noting that he’s already been contacted by leaders from other states who want to model Oregon HEAT’s new program in their own communities.

22-Jan-08 3:00 PM

Oil Recycling In South Africa Pays

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

In South Africa last year, over R1-million was paid out in environmental incentives (EIs) for used oil collections between March and August, says the Recycling Oil Saves the Environment (Rose) Foundation. The Foundation targets the used oil industry with the aim of increasing environmental compliance and encouraging oil collectors and recyclers to operate in a safe and responsible manner in the oil industry, through the use of environmental incentives.

National Oil Recycling Association of South Africa (Nora-SA) notes that by initiating the EI payouts, the Rose Foundation has played a role in creating awareness and educating people regarding oil recycling, and the payouts are a wonderful and encouraging reward.

An EI of 10c/ℓ has been introduced for used oil collections and, to qualify for this incentive, oil collectors must adhere to certain requirements. Collectors must be members of Nora-SA and abide by its code of conduct, be audited by the Rose Foundation, record the details of all volumes collected from used oil generators, record the disposal of used oil through approved processors, and dispose of their used oil collections through an approved Nora-SA/Rose Foundation processor, which is ISO 14 001 certified.

It is expected that the Rose Foundation will pay out between R8-million and R10-million in incentives each year. The Foundation is optimistic that incentives assist in ensuring the sustainability of the used-oil industry and is currently working on plans to introduce further incentives to encourage the processors and recyclers of used oil to meet environmental and legal requirements. In addition, the Rose Foundation is also involved in the responsible disposal of related used-oil waste, including empty oil containers, used oil filters, oily rags, and greases.

22-Jan-08 3:00 PM

California Urges Longer Interval Changes

noemail@noranews.org — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Last week, the California Integrated Waste Management Board launched a campaign to urge California motorists not to change their oil every 3,000 miles, as is often recommended by lube shops or car dealerships. The goal is to go green by going longer until that next oil change.

According to a recent survey, a lot of oil gets thrown away needlessly, said Jamie Cameron-Harley, a spokeswoman for the waste board. Three-quarters of Californians change oil more often than they should.

"Most people believe that 3,000 miles is the time at which they need to change their oil," Cameron-Harley said. "It's just kind of imprinted on our brains. But many cars now, especially the newer ones, can go much longer than that."

To promote the campaign, the agency set up a Web site: www.3000milemyth.org. The Web site allows you to plug in year, make and model of a car, and it will spit out the manufacturer's recommended interval for that car.

The agency says Californians generate more than 150 million gallons of used oil annually and recycle just 59 percent.

16-Jan-08 9:45 AM

Owner of Member Chempet has Passed Away

noemail@noranews.org — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Untitled Document NORA has been informed that the owner of Chempet, George M. Key Jr., passed away this past Saturday evening at his home in Crosby, Texas. Chempet has been a member of NORA for many years and George will be missed. The thoughts and prayers of NORA are extended to the Key family. If you would like additional information, you can contact Mindy Key at mindy@comporium.net. ...

15-Jan-08 3:00 PM

Siemens Water Technologies Sells Hydrocarbon Services Unit to FCC

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:00:00 GMT

On December 5, 2007, Siemens Water Technologies reached a deal with Formento de Construcciones y Contratas, S.A. (FCC) of Madrid, Spain for the sale of its Hydrocarbon Services Group. The deal is expected to close on January 31,2008. The unit will do business as FCC Environmental.

The Hydrocarbon Services Group includes approximately 600 employees at about 40 hydrocarbon processing and recycling service locations primarily along the east coast and the Gulf Coast areas of the United States. Hydrocarbon Services has been part of the Siemens Water Technologies business for approximately 10 years. Siemens has determined that the Hydrocarbon Services group is not completely aligned with the overall Water Technologies’ growth strategy focused on domestic and international water treatment systems and services. As a result, Siemens Water Technologies sought a buyer for the Hydrocarbon Services business.

FCC is one of the twenty largest companies in Spain and a major player in the waste handling and recycling market in Spain, Central Europe and South America. FCC’s revenues are approximately $19 billion (US)and they have approximately 97,000 employees world wide. With the acquisition of Hydrocarbon Services, FCC reports that they will become the second-largest player in the used oil recycling sector.

FCC is very interested in using the Hydrocarbon Services Group as a platform to grow significantly in the environmental services industry.

FCC and Siemens report that they are vested in a smooth transition. Customers and constituents should expect the same quality of service and environmentally responsible and compliant operations as they have received in the past.

If you have questions related to this release, contact Ken Cherry, Vice President/General Manager at 281-227-9111.

9-Jan-08 10:00 AM

Heartland Petroleum LLC (NORA Member) Announces New Oil Refining Facility

noemail@noranews.org — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Heartland Petroleum LLC is pleased to announce that they have received their PTI permit from the Ohio EPA and have already broken ground on their new 15 million gallon per year oil refining facility. The new plant will be located in Columbus, Ohio and will produce a group II plus base oil. The construction should be completed and the plant in full operation by May 2008.

This is the final phase of a project that started over two years ago. Heartland Refining Group has also just completed an agreement with one of the largest new oil distributors in America.

Mr. Gene Gornall has been appointed the new Chief Operating Officer for the Refining Group.

For more information, you can visit www.heartland-petroleum.com or contact their engineering department at 614-441-4001.

9-Jan-08 9:00 AM

Aaron Oil Company Recognized by Alabama Governor

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:00:00 GMT

Aaron Oil Company Recognized by Alabama Governor

January 23, 2007

Mobile, AL – Governor, Bob Riley, recognized Aaron Oil Company, Inc. for their third year as a Charter Member of the EPA’s National Environmental Performance Track.

Since 2000, Performance Track has grown to include nearly 400 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The EPA’s Performance Track chooses companies based on their integration of environmental excellence into business management practices through the establishment of a prevention-based environmental management system.

“ Your participation in the EPA’s Performance Track program distinguishes you as being one of relatively few facilities across the nation that meets the stringent requirements for membership and chooses to go above and beyond what is required by law to protect the air, water and land in your community,” says Riley.

The accomplishments of Performance Track Members like Aaron Oil Company, Inc. are impressive. Collectively, Performance Track members have reduced their water use by more than 3.5 billion gallons, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 88,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, and conserved more than 14,000 acres of land.

“ Achieving these results is not easy, but it is worthwhile. As Governor, I am proud to have businesses like yours in my state that take it upon themselves to act as environmental stewards,” says Riley.

Based in Mobile, AL, Aaron Oil Company is petroleum reclamation and used oil recycling company. President Dan Cowart, “We have been committed to the environment since our founding in 1981 and to be a Performance Track member is a true honor.”

25-Jan-07 9:00 AM