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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Marylin Santander-Bossio & Jorge Silva-Ortega & Ruben Cantero-Rodelo & Prince Torres-Salazar & Juan Rivera-Alvarado & Christian Moreno-Rocha & Celene Milánes-Batista, 2025. "From Waste to Energy: Cooking Oil Recycling for Biodiesel in Barranquilla, Colombia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6560-:d:1704420
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ming-Chien Hsiao & Peir-Horng Liao & Nguyen Vu Lan & Shuhn-Shyurng Hou, 2021. "Enhancement of Biodiesel Production from High-Acid-Value Waste Cooking Oil via a Microwave Reactor Using a Homogeneous Alkaline Catalyst," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-11, January.
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