Evolution of Waste Cooking Oil Collection in an Area with Long-Standing Waste Management Problems

Abstract

Waste cooking oil (WCO) can be a useful secondary raw material, if properly managed. On the contrary, uncontrolled disposal generates negative environmental impacts as well as economic loss. Therefore, improving WCO recovery rate, with the cooperation of citizens and effective collection programs, is fundamental. The aim of the study was to investigate the reason for the low recovery of WCO in those areas suffering serious waste management problems such as the Campania region in Southern Italy. For this purpose, the case of a WCO collection program adopted in Angri, a town of around 34,000 people with a high population density, was studied. In 2015, the collection program was managed by a social cooperative, while, in 2016, after the change of the local government, the collection of WCO was entrusted to a private company. In 2015, the households’ participation in the collection program was surveyed through a structured questionnaire. The results revealed that the collection of WCO was practiced by 53% of the respondents. Among those not collecting WCO, 76% of the sample wrongly disposed of WCO in their home (kitchen or toilet). Misinformation was the main reason why they did not adhere to the collection program. Therefore, it was suggested to support information and environmental education campaigns to promote environmental awareness of citizens. Unfortunately, the change of management, together with serious problems in the collection of municipal waste in the whole region, due to the continuous closures of the mechanical and biological plants, produced a sharp decline in the collection from 7730 kg in 2015 to an average of 3800 kg for the period 2016–2019, with a loss of more than 15,000 kg of WCO wrongly disposed with consequent environmental and economic damage. Therefore, information and awareness campaigns are important but the form of entrusting the collection service is equally important, especially in areas with long-standing waste management problems.

Valorization of frying oil waste for biodetergent production using Serratia marcescens N2 and gamma irradiation assisted biorecovery

“…Initial and consumed oil volumes were used to evaluate the oil valorization process by S. marcescens N2. In the present study, oil valorization reached its peak within 1–2 weeks, while oil consumption by P. aeruginosa PG1 was recorded to reach almost the same value after the 15 week of incubation with only 2% (v/v) crude oil added to MSM [ 4 ]. This means that our result is very promising since the initial oil added was 20% (v/v) to the culture media, suggesting that Serratia marcescens N2 can valorize more FOW into another product.…”

“…Conventional methods of disposal as direct disposal in sewage systems [ 4 ] can lead to other problems such as clogging the drains due to the viscosity of pre-used oil. FOW is mixed with food waste for decomposition in landfills, they release greenhouse gases [], and this is expected to play a role in climate change.…”

A mixed-method study of edible oil waste from farm to table in Iran: SWOT analysis

“…A study in Italy (2020) showed that, among the participants who were not collecting EOW, 76% of them disposed of EOW in the sewage and misinformation was the main reason why they did not adhere to the EOW collection program [ 49 ]. So, advanced and well-organized collection systems and education are the two most important factors for successful UCO collection from households [ 20 ].…”

“…Several studies have shown that EOW can cause long-term environmental damage, and thus, increase human health risks; the production of biodiesel from EOW can reduce these problems [ 49 , 53 – 55 ]. On the other hand, the lack of efficient economic incentives and other energy source competitors, as well as a small market for biodiesel can be threats to its development [ 55 ].…”

Waste Cooking Oil as a Sustainable Bio Modifier for Asphalt Modification: A Review

“…In contrast, a significant problem regarding the proper disposal and collection of WCO has still gone unsolved for a long time. The lack of awareness, facilities, and improper disposal of WCO are leading to environmental, ecological, and municipal problems [16,17]. Hence, by heavily consuming oil and fats, many countries face sewer blockage problems associated with an increased annual cost to remove blockage [18].…”