From Waste to Energy: Cooking Oil Recycling for Biodiesel in Barranquilla, Colombia

Marylin Santander-Bossio, Jorge Silva-Ortega, Ruben Cantero-Rodelo, Prince Torres-Salazar (), Juan Rivera-Alvarado (), Christian Moreno-Rocha and Celene Milánes-Batista
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Marylin Santander-Bossio: Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Jorge Silva-Ortega: Energy Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Ruben Cantero-Rodelo: Civil and Environmental Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Prince Torres-Salazar: Facultad de Administración y Negocios, Centro de Crecimiento Empresarial—MACONDOLAB, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Juan Rivera-Alvarado: Facultad de Administración y Negocios, Centro de Crecimiento Empresarial—MACONDOLAB, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Christian Moreno-Rocha: Energy Department, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
Celene Milánes-Batista: Faculty of Engineering, Universidad del Magdalena, Santa Marta 470004, Colombia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-17

Abstract: The environmental impact of first-generation biodiesel production, particularly deforestation and soil degradation caused by palm and soybean cultivation, has raised concerns about sustainability. In contrast, second-generation biodiesel utilizes waste as feedstock, offering a more sustainable alternative. Used cooking oil (UCO), a significant waste stream, represents a viable feedstock for biodiesel production, reducing pollution and mitigating economic, environmental, and social challenges. While Europe has demonstrated successful UCO waste management strategies, many regions lack efficient systems, leading to improper disposal that causes water eutrophication, soil degradation, and increased wastewater treatment costs. This study develops a comprehensive strategy for UCO management to optimize its energy potential in biodiesel production, using Barranquilla, Colombia, as a case study. Transesterification, identified as the most efficient conversion method, achieves conversion rates of up to 90%. A pilot project in the Barranquilla area estimates that 963,070.95 kg of UCO is generated annually, with the potential to produce 902,108.56 kg of biodiesel. These findings contribute to the advancement of circular economy principles, offering an adaptable framework for sustainable biofuel production in other regions.

Keywords: biodiesel; circular economy; used cooking oil (UCO); waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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