Frequently Asked Questions

Biodiesel

Am I responsible to pay fuel tax?  If so, how much and how do I pay it?

Depending upon what state you live in, you may be responsible for paying any applicable “road use” taxes on the biodiesel you make.  You are responsible for contacting your state officials to determine your state’s current laws regarding road use tax.

 

Sources of Used Vegetable Oil

Is there a hierarchy of preference for used vegetable oil?

Yes, oil which has been used to cook: 1) only vegetables (fries, tempura, etc.); 2) fish;           3) chicken; 4) beef and pork.  For the best quality biodiesel, avoid oils mixed with lard, tallow, grill scrapings or any other waste animal fat.

 

How can I tell whether the oil I plan to use is suitable for making biodiesel?

The two most important factors are water content and Free-Fatty Acids (FFA) from animal fats or over-use of oil. Water content can be checked by simply boiling a sample of oil in a fraying pan and looking for bubbles from evaporating water (bad oil: either don’t use or dry thoroughly).  FFA content can be checked first by simply asking what’s been cooked in the oil, then doing a simple pH test to see how heavily used it is.

 

Why does each batch require a different amount of chemicals (titration)?

Different oils will have a different amount of Free Fatty Acids (FFA’s) in them (based on how extensively they’re used).  These acids must be neutralized and any additional catalyst must be added to make the biodiesel reaction happen.  It’s an easy test, but a  very important one to get the best results.

 

How much will I have to pay for used cooking oil?

In most cases a restaurant will be happy to simply give you their used oil, since they would otherwise have to pay to dispose of it.

 

What happens when all the free used oil is gobbled up by others?

There are over 3 BILLION gallons of used cooking oil produced EVERY YEAR in the US alone.  It is best to establish a good working relationship with the restaurant(s) you are collecting from.  After a good relationship ahs been established, you may want to draw up a simple, long-term collection contract with the restaurant owner/manager.

 

C & E Biodiesel

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