New smart collection system to optimise the Used Cooking Oil to biodiesel value chain

Improper Used Cooking Oil (UCO) disposal in drainage raises energy consumption of wastewater treatment and is highly toxic to sea, streams, lakes and other ecosystems. Recycling UCO to biodiesel is a sustainable alternative to exploit a problematic waste, transforming it to energy resource. Aiming to increase the waste management efficiency and promote clean fuels, the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab of Technical University of Crete, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rethymno and local stakeholders (Waste Management Dpt, Enterprise of Water and Sewage, Inter-Municipal Waste Management Company, UCO collectors), defined an operational scheme for a local UCO-to-biodiesel chain. A new “smart” UCO collection system was launched in 2018; 30 collections points with “smart” bins integrating sensors with GSM technology and a web-based platform. The platform allows real-time monitoring of bins’ filing level and optimisation of the collector drivers' routes. It sends alerts at selected fill rate, temperature raise, low battery level, unauthorised movements or vandalism incidents. Through the smart management system, the collection efficiency is increased and operational costs are reduced. Fewer collection trips mean less fuel consumption and less greenhouse gas emissions. Targeted communication activities increase the UCO recycling rate and enhance its proper disposal. A small-scale biodiesel production unit demonstrates the UCO transformation to a clean fuel.