Title: Downstream market analysis of used oils in Trinidad and Tobago to inform an appropriate waste management strategy

Authors: Donnie Boodlal; David Alexander; Sarim Al-Zubaidy; Maurissa Charles

Addresses: Department of Process Engineering, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Point Lisas Campus, Esperanza Road, Brechin Castle, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago ' Department of Petroleum Engineering, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, Point Lisas Campus, Esperanza Road, Brechin Castle, Couva, Trinidad and Tobago ' Office of the President, The University of Trinidad and Tobago, O'Meara Campus, Lots 74-98, O'Meara Industrial Estate, Arima, Trinidad and Tobago ' Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer in the Caribbean (BCRC-Caribbean), 8 Alexandra Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract: The major issues with waste oil management in T&T are the lack of adequate strategies, technologies and collectors, which are addressed in this study. A survey of stakeholders' views revealed that most preferred proper recycling and proper disposal and that they are prepared to enter into agreement with collectors to achieve these ends. The waste oil market in T&T was found to be sophisticated and partially unregulated. From data gathered, it is seen that the market volume of base oil in T&T is limited to 15 million litres/pa as this is the amount used in the nation's sole blending facility. It was also found that the fuel oil market is saturated at 2.2 billion litres, which represented exports in 2016. The market volume for off-specification diesel could not be estimated as the only possible consumers and retailers of this product in T&T is disinterested in this product.

Keywords: waste oil management; market study; market survey; waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2020.108060

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2020 Vol.26 No.1, pp.59 - 74

Received: 07 Jun 2018
Accepted: 29 Dec 2018
Published online: 02 Jul 2020 *

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