Used cooking oil is primarily repurposed for the production of renewable fuels and as a raw material for various industrial applications.
Here's a breakdown of its common uses:
- Renewable Fuels: Used cooking oil can be refined into biodiesel and other renewable diesel fuels, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This "drop-in" solution can be used in existing diesel engines with little or no modification.
- Raw Material for Polymers and Chemicals: It serves as a raw material in the production of polymers and chemicals, which are used to create bio-based plastics and other sustainable materials.
- Animal Feed: In some instances, after proper processing, used cooking oil can be used as a component in animal feed. However, strict regulations govern this process to ensure safety and nutritional value.
- Soap Making: It can be used in the production of soaps and other cleaning products.
- Other Industrial Applications: It can also be used in various other industrial processes, such as the production of lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other specialty chemicals.
Therefore, used cooking oil's applications are expanding, driven by the need for sustainable alternatives and waste reduction efforts.
