Used cooking oil (UCO) and grease can be recycled and converted into biodiesel fuel instead of being thrown away in sink drains. Japan recycles UCO to produce aviation fuel and lower its greenhouse gas emission.

In the Philippines, the city government of Bacoor in Cavite has partnered with BioTen Energy Inc. to collect and recycle UCO. The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed by officials from the two parties on 1 June, with the goal of transforming waste oil into renewable energy products.

Under the agreement, residents of and business establishments in Bacoor and nearby Cavite communities will be encouraged to store UCO instead of disposing it. BioTen Energy collectors will then pick up the UCO from households and business establishments across the city.

According to BioTen Energy, the company has already begun limited collection efforts, gathering around 500 liters of used cooking oil from two establishments between April and May.

“The mission of the company is to gas up jeepney drivers,” BioTen Energy chairman and founder Klan Alison said, pointing out that the firm offers biodiesel at a lower cost of around P60 per liter compared to conventional diesel.

“What is good about biodiesel is that it is cleaner and better for the engine,” she added.

During discussions with city government officials, the company also cited Department of Energy guidelines mandating a 3 percent biodiesel blend in regular diesel fuel.

BioTen Energy noted that biodiesel contains lubricating properties that may improve engine efficiency and performance.

The waste recycling initiative targets collecting at least 300,000 liters of UCO per month in Bacoor. The company also said that approximately 60 liters of biodiesel can fully fuel one jeepney.

Incentive schemes are also being explored, including loyalty cards for jeepney drivers and cash incentives for barangays. Under the proposal, barangays may receive P3 per liter collected, meaning 500 liters would earn P1,500, while 1,000 liters would earn P3,000.

BioTen Energy projected that 10,000 liters of UCO could fuel around 166 jeepneys in Bacoor, equivalent to contributions from roughly 50 participating establishments.

Meanwhile, the company said some automobile manufacturers like Toyota are about to release biodiesel-compatible vehicles, signaling broader potential for the alternative fuel market.

Through the program, BioTen Energy hopes to encourage greater participation from households and establishments in Bacoor, strengthening the city’s push toward a circular economy where waste cooking oil is recycled into valuable energy resources.