Vegetable Oil to BioDiesel Program

About the Program

Category: County Resiliency (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Vegetable Oil to Biodiesel Program takes used vegetable oil which is utilized as a direct replacement for diesel fuel in specially retrofitted vehicles. In order for the oil to be used, it first has to go through a refining process to remove particulate matter so that the fuel fitters and expensive fuel injectors do not get clogged or damaged. The program has been expanded to also include introduction of the refined vegetable oil to their bulk storage diesel fuel tanks at a ratio of up to 15 percent. As a result of the program, there has been a reduction in greenhouse gasses, a diminution in the County’s carbon footprint, and a curtailment in diesel fuel consumption which in turn reduces dependence on foreign oil.