Waste Oils: Systemic Management Experience and Georgia's Challenges

This paper presents global trends in waste oils; discusses technological innovations, policy instruments, economic and infrastructural factors in waste oil processing; examines Georgia's experience and international practice, based on which recommendations have been developed for the systemic management of waste oils. Waste oils are classified as hazardous waste, and their improper management, including illegal burning or incorrect disposal, significantly damages the environment, causes soil, water and air pollution, and reduces biodiversity. The purpose of the paper is to analyze existing systemic characteristics using examples from different countries, assess the effectiveness of collection and processing methods, and identify factors that promote sustainable waste oil management. The article examines the experience of developed countries, where regeneration rates often exceed 80%, which is driven by strong policy frameworks, economic incentives, and the implementation of modern technologies, such as vacuum distillation and hydrotreating. Particular attention is devoted to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system as an effective policy instrument for increasing collection and regeneration rates. The findings demonstrate that waste oil management requires an integrated policy framework, robust oversight, and clear traceability. In the Georgian context, the paper highlights local challenges, which include infrastructural and technological backwardness, weak regulations, and low awareness. The article emphasizes the necessity for Georgia to transform its own management system in accordance with circular economy requirements, in order to achieve sustainable development goals. Keywords: Waste oils; Extended Producer Responsibility; EPR; Georgia; Environmental policy.