New Waste Diversion Program
Converts Used Cooking Oil
to Biodiesel Fuel
Brampton – The Region of Peel has developed a new waste management program that accepts used cooking oil from residents and small businesses at Peel's Community Recycling Centres where it is converted to biodiesel fuel for use in Regional vehicles.
"The Region of Peel is committed to increasing waste diversion and implementing initiatives aimed at bettering the environment," says Councillor Elaine Moore, Chair of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Services Committee. "Much like our Organics Recycling and Blue Box programs, this new program converts waste into a valuable resource."
Peel residents and small businesses may drop off up to 120 litres of used cooking oil per day at any of Peel's Community Recycling Centres (CRCs), free of charge. The oil is put through a four stage conversion process that involves transesterification, separation, cleaning and filtering, before the final product is created.
The biodiesel is used in the Waste Management Division's car and light truck fleet, which has been given a new look and is clearly identified with Powered by Peel Biodiesel decals. The vehicles use an even mix of biodiesel and petrodiesel in warmer temperature, and a 20 per cent biodiesel mix during the winter months.
"Biodiesel is a biodegradeable fuel made from biological sources, such as vegetable oil, used cooking oils and animal fat, and can be used to power diesel-engine vehicles," says Larry Conrad, Manager, Waste Operations. "When compared to petrodiesel that is used in most vehicles, biodiesel fuel burns cleaner, emits fewer toxic compounds into the air, and decreases ozone and smog."
Used cooking oil should never be poured down the sink, drain or toilet because it can negatively impact the system of sewer pipes in your home and neighbourhood, causing sewer backups.
Residents who are unable to dispose of their used cooking oil at a CRC should freeze it or let it harden, and dispose the frozen or hardened oil in their organics recycling green bin.
The Region of Peel provides waste management services in the Cities of Brampton and Mississauga and in the Town of Caledon. For more information, call the Region of Peel at
905-791-9499 or in long-distance areas of Caledon call 905-584-2216, free of charge. Visit the Region of Peel website at www.peelregion.ca/waste.
The Region of Peel delivers a wide range of programs and services to more than one million citizens every day. This includes ambulance services, public health, long-term care, child care, waste collection, recycling and disposal, water and wastewater services, Regional road construction and maintenance, social assistance and affordable rental housing. Regional Headquarters are located at 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON. Phone Number: 905-791-7800.