Evaluation of Disposal Methods of oil and scrap parts in diesel generator overhaul and General Maintenance Centers.

Abstract

This report consists of a study about the disposal practices of used oil and the scrap parts got during the diesel generator overhaul and general maintenance activities at the generator maintenance centers within and around Kampala. It shows that the Diesel Generator Maintenance Centers are categorized into two groups namely the Authorized Dealership Centers, whereby on addition to the generator repair and maintenance activity, they also carry out the sales of the new generators and generator spare parts. The other category is the Non-Dealership Centers whereby they only deal in the repairs of the generators. It was discovered that the used oil and scrap parts got during the diesel generator overhaul and other maintenance activities are stored in drums and scrap parts storage bins and later sold off to the end users in authorized dealership centers. However, in the non-dealership centers, some also have the oil drums but are old, rusty and dirty allowing oil to spill on to the maintenance grounds. The case study was then narrowed to Country Wing Automobile Workshop where it was discovered that the used oil got during the generator repairs are poured on to the workshop grounds, while the used engine components like the fuel filter, oil filter, piston rings among others are thrown within the workshop grounds and the nearby vegetation. This has caused a lot of cuts due to sharp engine parts, and slippage due to oil poured on to the grounds. However, it was also seen that the used oil and scrap parts have bad effects onto the environment leading to land pollution affecting the soil fertility, water pollution inhabiting the health of aquatic life and damaging the water that could have been used for drinking and for domestic use. It was thus suggested that, in order to ensure proper oil disposal practices in Country Wing Automobile Workshop and other small centers, recycling should be encouraged and supported by the government. The Oil Collection centers should also be started as many as possible. The training seminars and the Producer Responsibility initiative should also be put in place.