
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, SIGAUS is committed to contributing to the economic and social recovery of the Autonomous Community of Madrid in environmental terms. In the knowledge of the importance of this “reconstruction” period and the vital role that must be played by Circular Economy in this respect, SIGAUS has significantly increased the financing of used oil collection to facilitate the survival of the management sector. The goal is to ensure that this hazardous waste continues to be collected and treated, in order to prevent a considerable environmental impact and to avail of this used oil to produce new raw materials, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Driving recovery through support of the management network
The waste generated by lubricants used for vehicle engines and industrial machinery contains toxic substances and heavy metals, making it a powerful enemy of the environment. Since 2007, the SIGAUS system has taken responsibility for the collection and correct management of this waste throughout Spain, thanks to a network of almost 200 management facilities, 12 of which are located in the Autonomous Community of Madrid.
The companies involved are often small local enterprises, which have recently seen their survival threatened by the pandemic. Due to the paralysation of activity in the sector, with an average decrease of 40%, SIGAUS has completely overhauled the financing model implemented up to now. The new model will be in place until the end of the year in order to ensure the continuity of used oil collection, irrespective of the quantity and the location where the waste is produced.