What Percentage of Oil Is Recycled?

There isn’t a single percentage for “oil” in general: for used motor and industrial lubricating oil in mature markets, roughly 60–90% is collected and about 20–55% (of the total generated) is actually re-refined into new base oils; used cooking oil collection ranges widely—from about 10–20% from households to 80–95% in the commercial sector. The figure depends on the type of oil (lubricants vs. cooking oil), the country, and whether “recycling” means true material recovery (re‑refining) or simply burning as fuel (energy recovery). Below is how the numbers break down and why they vary.

Why “what percentage of oil is recycled?” has no single answer

“Oil” covers multiple streams: lubricating oils from vehicles and industry, edible oils from kitchens, and petroleum products in general. “Recycling” can also mean different things. True recycling for lubricants is re-refining used oil back into base oils that are blended into new lubricants. By contrast, many countries count energy recovery—burning used oil as industrial fuel—as “recycled,” even though the material is not returned to new oil. Because policies and infrastructure differ, so do the percentages.

Best current estimates (2023–2024)

Used motor and industrial lubricating oil

Across advanced economies, collection rates are generally high and a growing share is re-refined. The following figures summarize recent estimates reported by industry associations and regulators in 2023–2024.

• European Union: Approximately 80–90% of waste lubricating oil is collected; about 50–65% of the collected volume is re-refined into base oils (roughly 40–55% of total generated). Energy recovery (use as fuel) accounts for most of the remainder.
• United States: Roughly 60–70% of used oil is collected; about 25–35% of total generated is re-refined, with a large share of the rest burned as industrial fuel. Collection is highest where producer-responsibility or robust take-back systems exist.
• Other OECD markets (Canada, Australia, Japan): Collection commonly 70–85%, with 30–50% of total generated re-refined, depending on regional policy and plant capacity.
• Emerging markets: Collection can range from 20–60%, with re-refining shares typically below 20% of total generated due to informal collection and limited re-refining capacity; more is used as low-grade fuel.

In short, in regions with strong policy and infrastructure, most used oil is at least collected, but only a subset is truly recycled through re-refining; elsewhere, both collection and re-refining rates are lower.

Used cooking oil (UCO)

Used cooking oil is increasingly captured for biodiesel and renewable diesel, but household collection lags far behind the commercial sector. Typical ranges seen in 2023–2024 are:

• Households: 10–20% collection in many countries, limited by convenient drop-off points and public awareness.
• Food service and industry: 80–95% collection where grease-trap and haulage rules are enforced; most collected UCO goes to biofuels.
• Overall national averages: Highly variable, typically 30–70% when household and commercial sources are combined, depending on market structure and regulation.

The commercial sector largely drives high UCO recycling rates; boosting household capture is the main untapped opportunity.

Crude oil and fuels

Crude oil used as transport fuel or heat is not “recycled” in the material sense—once combusted, it cannot be recovered as oil. Some refinery byproducts and sludges are reprocessed, but this is a small fraction and not comparable to lubricant or cooking oil recycling.

Material recycling versus energy recovery

Understanding what happens to collected used oil clarifies the percentages and why different sources report different “recycling” figures.

1. Re-refining (material recycling): Used lubricating oil is cleaned and distilled into base oils that go back into new lubricants. This is circular and typically counted as “true” recycling.
2. Energy recovery (fuel use): Used oil is burned in industrial kilns/boilers. While regulated and useful, this is not material recycling; policies differ on whether it is counted as “recycled.”
3. Improper disposal: Dumping, burning in uncontrolled settings, or sewer discharge—still common where collection systems are weak—represents a lost resource and an environmental hazard.

When you see higher “recycling” rates, check whether they include energy recovery; material recycling via re-refining is the smaller, but more circular, share.

What drives higher recycling rates

Countries with strong performance tend to share structural features that make collection and re-refining economically and logistically viable.

• Policy: Extended producer responsibility (EPR), take-back mandates, and bans on landfilling or uncontrolled burning.
• Infrastructure: Dense networks of drop-off sites and licensed collectors servicing workshops, fleets, and households.
• Market signals: Stable demand and incentives for re-refined base oils and biofuels produced from UCO.
• Enforcement and transparency: Tracking systems that curb leakage to informal markets and ensure quality standards.

Where these factors align, more used oil is collected and a larger fraction is truly recycled instead of burned.

Outlook for 2025 and beyond

Re-refining capacity is expanding in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, supported by low-carbon product demand and tighter waste rules. Expect modest increases in the share of used lubricant oil that is re-refined, and gradual improvement in household UCO collection as municipalities roll out curbside or depot programs.

Summary

There’s no universal percentage for “oil” recycling. For lubricants in mature markets, roughly 60–90% is collected and 20–55% of the total generated is truly recycled via re-refining; elsewhere, both figures are lower. For cooking oils, commercial collection is high (80–95%), but household capture remains low (about 10–20%). Always check whether a reported “recycling” rate includes energy recovery or reflects material recycling back into new oil.