A study by Okpo, S. O., & Edafiadhe, E. D. (2024) titled “Unlocking the power of waste cooking oils for sustainable energy production and circular economy: A review,” published in ABUAD Journal of Engineering Research and Development (AJERD), reveals that waste cooking oil is a sustainable, cost-effective biodiesel feedstock that supports circular economy goals and reduces environmental pollution globally.
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Waste cooking oil is a sustainable, low-cost biodiesel feedstock that supports circular economy goals and significantly reduces environmental pollution.
– Okpo, S. O., & Edafiadhe, E. D. (2024
The study presents a comprehensive review of how waste cooking oils (WCOs) can be repurposed into biodiesel—offering both environmental and economic advantages within a circular economy framework. The study posits that improper disposal of WCOs poses significant environmental threats, including water and soil pollution. This study highlights the opportunity to transform this waste into a valuable energy resource. Unlike first-generation biofuels, WCO-based biodiesel does not compete with food crops, making it a more sustainable alternative. Central to the paper is the transesterification process, the primary method used to convert WCOs into biodiesel. The study also reviews several pretreatment techniques required to remove impurities like water, free fatty acids (FFAs), and particulates to improve conversion efficiency. In addition, the authors explore emerging and advanced conversion technologies such as:
- Microwave-assisted transesterification
- Supercritical fluid processing
- Enzymatic catalysis
- Plasma-assisted conversion
These innovations enhance biodiesel yield and quality while minimizing processing time and environmental impact.
The paper ties WCO valorization to several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably:
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
To reinforce its argument, the study features a circular flow diagram illustrating the full cycle of WCO: from collection and purification to conversion and reuse. It also includes cost-benefit analyses drawn from international case studies, demonstrating that WCO-derived biodiesel is both economically viable and environmentally responsible, thanks to low raw material costs and favourable energy yields.
What the Authors Found
The authors found that waste cooking oil is a sustainable, cost-effective biodiesel feedstock that supports circular economy goals and reduces environmental pollution globally.
Why is this important
Solving a Global Waste Crisis: Reusing millions of tons of waste cooking oil helps prevent environmental damage, protects public health, and eliminates unsafe oil recycling practices.
Clean and Renewable Energy Source: WCO-based biodiesel is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, reducing CO₂ and sulfur emissions while enhancing energy security through local production.
Boosting Local Economies: The WCO value chain creates entrepreneurial opportunities—enabling households, eateries, and small businesses to earn income through collection and supply.
Circular Economy in Action: Waste cooking oil can be repurposed into biodiesel, soaps, animal feed, and cosmetics, ensuring maximum resource efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Support for Global Sustainability Goals: WCO valorization directly contributes to UN SDGs, including clean energy (SDG 7), responsible production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).
What the Authors Recommended
- The authors advocate developing clear legal frameworks for WCO collection, recycling, and authorized disposal—enforcing proper practices through mandates and offering incentives to households and businesses.
- The study also advocates support for collaborative R&D focused on optimizing low-cost, eco-friendly catalysts and scaling advanced conversion technologies like enzymatic and supercritical methods for efficient WCO biodiesel production.
- Establish decentralized collection systems through public drop-off points and partnerships with food service providers, while improving storage and logistics to streamline WCO recovery.
- Furthermore, encourage small-scale biodiesel production facilities and explore diversified WCO applications (e.g., soaps, cosmetics, bioplastics) to drive entrepreneurship and circular economy growth.
- In addition, the author argues for implementing targeted education and outreach campaigns to shift public perception of WCO from waste to resource, fostering responsible disposal and participation in green energy initiatives.
In conclusion, the valorization of waste cooking oil into biodiesel presents a practical, eco-friendly, and economically viable solution that advances global sustainability goals, reduces environmental harm, and fosters local innovation within a thriving circular economy.
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