What Is Used Oil?

Used oil is petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used in machinery, engines or equipment and has become contaminated or degraded through normal operation.

• Collect used oil in designated containers.

• Label and securely close containers.

• Store oil away from drains and water sources.

• Use suitable spill containment equipment.

• Arrange collection through appropriate service providers.

• Train employees on safe oil handling.

• Maintain collection and disposal records.

• Pouring used oil onto the ground.

• Disposing of oil in drains or waterways.

• Mixing oil with other hazardous substances.

• Leaving oil in open or leaking containers.

• Dumping oil with general household waste.

• Burning used oil without proper authorisation.

• Giving oil to unauthorised handlers.

Tshole Trust supports the development and coordination of used oil collection infrastructure in Botswana, working with local authorities, industry stakeholders and service providers to encourage responsible waste oil management.

Collection infrastructure has been established in locations including Gaborone-area facilities, Ramotswa, Kanye, Serowe, Francistown and Kasane.

Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact Tshole Trust to confirm available collection points, accepted waste types and appropriate arrangements before delivering used oil.

For businesses generating significant quantities of used oil, arrangements may be made with suitable collection service providers.

Quick and responsible action can reduce the environmental impact of an oil spill.

1. Protect people: Keep unnecessary personnel away and use suitable personal protective equipment.

2. Stop the source: If safe, close valves, upright containers or isolate leaking equipment.

3. Contain the spill: Use suitable absorbents, spill barriers or containment equipment to prevent spreading.

4. Protect drainage systems: Prevent oil from reaching stormwater drains, waterways or exposed soil.

5. Clean up safely: Collect contaminated absorbents and materials for appropriate waste management.

6. Report the incident: Notify the responsible site personnel and relevant authorities where required.

For large spills, fire hazards, or spills reaching waterways, contact emergency responders and the relevant authorities. Do not attempt unsafe clean-up operations.

Businesses that regularly generate used oil should establish a documented used oil management procedure.

This is particularly important for vehicle service centres, garages, transport companies, mining operations, agricultural businesses and industrial facilities.

Recommended workplace practices include:

• Establishing a designated used oil storage area.

• Providing clearly labelled collection drums and spill kits.

• Training employees in safe handling and emergency response.

• Keeping a record of used oil quantities generated and collected.

• Arranging periodic collections with appropriate service providers.

• Conducting regular inspections of oil storage areas.

• Following applicable environmental and waste management requirements in Botswana.

These are general good-practice recommendations. Businesses should also confirm their specific legal, licensing and waste transport obligations with the relevant Botswana authorities.