China and India look toward biodiesel as a potential solution for the waste fats, oils, and greases disposal problem

May 15, 2020 | Case Study

Waste fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) remain a challenge in many countries, as the lack of a supply chain has led to improper disposal and even reuse. Often called gutter oil, China faced serious issues in the early 2010s with the improper reuse of FOGs in food preparation, with an estimated one in 10 lower-market restaurant using recycled waste oil. During the same period, waste FOGs also became an issue in the U.K., as slurries of FOG congealed to form "fatbergs" that blocked and flooded the sewer systems. As an infrastructure for collecting and disposing of FOGs began to emerge, with policies and regulations around their use and disposal, many countries began exploring the potential of converting the waste stream into biodiesel.