Date: June 1, 2026
The Challenge
A global automotive technology facility generated large volumes of wastewater contaminated with lubricating oil, mainly from injection molding and accumulated oil in underground collection pits. The site was disposing an average of 60 tons per month, with the water containing roughly 15% lubricating oil. Treating the material as hazardous waste led to high disposal volumes, elevated costs, and limited resource recover options.
The Solution
Envita Sustainability Solutions Mexico partnered with the site to implement a lubricating oil recovery project using a centrifuge-based system through an equipment rental model. The system separated the oil from the contaminated water, allowing the recovered oil to be reintegrated into the manufacturing process and significantly reduced the volume of wastewater requiring external disposal. On-site trials were conducted using material supplied directly from facility operations to validate performance. While initial estimates projected at least 50% recovery, continued optimization improved efficiency, ultimately achieving up to 98% recovery while processing an average of 70 tons per month of contaminated water without disrupting operations.
The Result
• Lubricating oil successfully recovered and returned to the manufacturing process
• Significant reduction in hazardous wastewater disposal volumes
$394,889 USD in realized cost savings in 11 months