United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Enhancement Activity Sheet
February 4, 2009
Energy Enhancement Activity – ENR04 - Recycle 100% of Farm Lubricants
Recycle 100% of Farm Lubricants
All farm lubricants such as oils, fluids, or greases,
including all mineral-based oils, synthetic oils, or
semi-synthetic oils used to reduce friction in
equipment and machinery must be recycled.
Recycling involves disposal of the lubricants
through a recycling company or community
recycling program.
Land Use Applicability
This enhancement is applicable on cropland,
pastureland, rangeland and forest land.
Benefits
Lubricants are widely used on farms and ranches to reduce friction in a variety of machinery and
equipment. Without proper disposal, lubricants enter the environment, especially groundwater or
surface water. Good management of these wastes can help protect the quality of the groundwater
and of drinking water supplies furnished by the watershed. The first step in reducing potential
water quality degradation is to carefully purchase and use only essential products, reuse them
when possible and recycle them at a oil recycling centers. Recycled lubricants may be converted
back into lubrication oil or used to make asphalt or other oil-based products. It takes less energy
to convert recycled oil back into lubrication stocks than to refine motor oil from a barrel of
crude.
Criteria
Recycle 100% of lubricants used on the farm through a commercial recycling company or a
community sponsored recycling program. Lubricants are defined as oils, fluids, or greases,
including all mineral-based oils, synthetic oils or semi-synthetic oils used to reduce friction in
equipment and machinery.
Documentation
Documentation of the types and quantity of lubricants used on the farm during the year.
Documentation of where and when the lubricants were recycled.