We don't have to think big to make individual contributions towards reducing our impacts on the environment. In fact, many ideas stemmed from our very own kitchens. AIDA ISMAH writes on the benefits of recycling used cooking oil as biofuel.

Written by Aida Ismah on 9 Feb 2011 with 0 comments. Be the first!

How many of us thought about the right thing to do with our used cooking oil? Do we re-use? Do we wash it down the sink? Do we tip it over the drain? For a typical household, it is a sticky situation.

Traditionally, used cooking oil is poured into the sink or drain or packed into plastic bags and thrown into garbage bins before being transported to landfills. The used cooking oil that was poured down the sink would saturate and change into a solid waste that would clog pipes. The same situation would occur in the sewage system, where trapped used cooking oil would harden and cause problems to the mechanics in the system. The malfunction of the system leads to other unpleasant problems such as foul odors from the sewers and unwanted pests. The used cooking oil that flows into the drains would eventually enter streams, rivers and small waterways causing water pollution. Similarly, in landfill areas, dumping of too much used cooking oil would slow down the rate of decomposition by bacteria as the oil would prevent micro-organisms to break down organic matter. When food waste does not decompose properly and does not turn into soil, it takes up the space of landfills and attract pests, making landfill areas unhygienic.

On top of that, the practice of reusing the same cooking oil can lead to health disorders such as increased blood pressure. This is because, when oil is repeatedly reheated and degrades, polymers and polar compounds are released and absorbed by the food that is cooked in the used oil. Studies have shown a direct link between increased levels of polymers and polar compounds resulting high blood pressure.

So, is there a solution to our kitchen woes?

Biofuel, also known as agrofuel, is mainly derived from plants. This fuel can be used for many purposes, but its main use is in the transportation sector. Biofuel is looked upon as a way of energy security which stands as an alternative to fossil fuels that is currently limited in availability.

One of the major activities in contributing to the production of biofuel is the recycling of used cooking oil that includes not only refined palm cooking oil but also products made from palm oil, such as margarine, that can be liquefied into oil for cooking purposes.

Two methods are generally used to best derive biofuel from plants.The first method is through the process of fermentation where ethanol is produced. Crops like sugar and starch are needed in this process. Ethanol oil, the most commonly used biofuel in the world, can be put used in petrol engines as a substitute for gasoline. The second method is to extract it from oil palm and jatropha. The plants are heated to reduce its viscosity and the byproduct is used as fuel for diesel engines. Used cooking oil from the kitchens and margarine can also produce biofuel using the latter method.

Nowadays, the presence of biofuel manufacturing industry has provided us with an alternative solution for the indiscrimate disposition of used cooking oil. Although not all used cooking oil can be disposed off, most of it is being collected and sold to collection agencies appointed by the Local Authorities, and then it is re-sold to biofuel entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the government has imposed a strict law on big restaurants and hotel owners where they are to equip their business premises with oil traps to trap the used cooking oil.

In residential communities and public eating places such as food courts, canteens and night markets, used cooking oil is collected through the Recycling Of Used Cooking Oil Programmes. The objective of this awareness programme is to educate communities and the public to love their environment and avoid pollution, especially in preserving the natural water resources which include rivers, lakes and natural ponds. In this programme, used cooking oil is collected and sold to the collection agencies before delivering them to the biofuel plants.

From this programme, the communities can generate income through the selling of used cooking oil to the collection agencies. These revenues can be used to finance activities in the community, for instance, providing free tuition classes for the children in the community. On the other hand, biofuel entrepreneurs will be able to get a steady and constant supply of oil other than the crude palm oil derived from the plantations.

Indeed, the biofuel manufacturing industry is synonymous with the recycling of used cooking oil. Communities, generally are directly involved in the programme because they often use cooking oil to cook their daily dishes. Each family or food operator in a community is recommended to have used cooking oil collection bins or install an oil trap in their premises. Previously, the installation of oil traps are expensive, but now, there are suppliers who offered the service at a reasonable price. A community can also form a committee to run the programme and manage the collection and drop-off of used cooking oil at biofuel centres as well as running a successful awareness campaign.

However, it is important to also be aware of impacts that the biofuel industry can create on the environment. For instance, at the processing level, the conversion of feedstock into biofuel produces carbon dioxide, one of the major greenhouse gases and if strict industrial regulations and control are not impose, the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere defeats the whole purpose of reducing environmental impact.

It is crucial that communities are aware and engaged on the alternatives to renewable energy and contribute to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Find out about the Recycling Of Used Cooking Oil Programmes in your area or act individually by sending your used cooking oil to collection agencies such as CGV Industries Sdn Bhd and Simpak-2 Biofuel Sdn Bhd. It is often assumed that making a change in lifestyle requires a lot of effort but we can start with little steps beginning with our own household.