VECO recycles its used oils

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayan Electric Co., Inc. (VECO), the country’s second largest power distribution utility strengthens its sustainability program by partnering with Genetron International Marketing, an oil-recycling company.

VECO’s used oils were collected and sold to Genetron at a lower price. The proceeds of the trade are remitted to VECO’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to benefit the Cebuano community. The partnership with Genetron started at the last quarter of 2011.

VECO Community Relations Manager Eric Ching said the company is always looking for better ways to recycle its waste materials and how to benefit from them.

Aside from recycling used oils, VECO recycles its wooden crates (considered wastes from freight handling) by turning them into tables and arm chairs. VECO is the first power distribution utility in the country to donate its so-called sustainable tables and chairs to public schools within its franchise area in Metro Cebu.

According to Genetron Marketing Officer Christianne Guanzon, improper handling of used oils is proven to cause cancer. Illegal disposal of oil can pollute the groundwater with contaminants such as lead, magnesium, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic chlorides, cadmium and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Guanzon said they are very satisfied with VECO’s tons of used oils, especially that the company uses PCB-free transformer oil which is not harmful to the environment. Genetron, a DENR-accredited company started used oil treatment and recycling in 2000. The company promotes sound environmental practices and advocacies in the treatment of hazardous wastes. Genetron treats and re-refines the oil to a product which can be re-incorporated into the economy. (FREEMAN)