Quality Protocol unveiled for waste-derived biodiesel

The protocol is the latest produced by the Waste Protocols Project – a joint Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Environment Agency initiative which aims to redefine the point at which a number of materials are classed as a product rather than a waste.

This is important because once material no longer has a waste label, it is free from waste management regulations and can be more easily traded. It also ensures that products are of a consistent standard.

Biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil and rendered animal fats was previously considered to be waste until the point it was burned in an engine.

However, the new Quality Protocol moves this point of recovery further up the supply chain to the point where the fuel meets the requirements of an approved standard for use as an automotive of heating fuel.

Benefit 

It is anticipated the protocol will benefit both producers and end users by increasing the amount of biodiesel produced.

It is also hoped to lead to an increase in the amount of waste cooking oil collected for biodiesel production, helping industry to meet the government's Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation (RTFO), which sets staggered targets for the uptake of biofuels over the coming years.

Commenting on the RTFO, Marcus Gover, director of market development at WRAP, said: “The Government has agreed that at least five per cent of fuel consumed in the UK must be biofuels by 2010/11. In light of this, the Quality Protocol has an important role to play in increasing both the quantity and quality of fuel available to vehicle owners and assuring them of the material's quality.”

Martin Brocklehurst, head of environment and business partnerships at the Environment Agency, said: “The Quality Protocol – End of Waste programme removes commercial barriers to the reuse of discarded raw materials, which leads to carbon savings and reduces the burden of regulation whilst maintaining protection for our environment.

“I'm confident this Quality Protocol will be welcomed by businesses operating across the biodiesel production and distribution supply chain,” he added.

The protocol for biodiesel was originally intended to cover just fuel derived from vegetable oil, but was extended following stakeholder requests in August 2008 (see letsrecycle.com story) .