More and more people these days are switching to eco-friendly alternative fuel sources. There are many options on the market, and one of the most popular is renewable fuel. But what is renewable fuel? As one of West Coast’s largest commercial used oil collector, SeQuential regularly works with renewable fuel. Here, we explain everything you should know, from where it originates to how it’s made.
What Is Yellow Grease?
Before understanding how it plays a role in renewable fuel, it’s essential to understand yellow grease itself and what it is. Restaurants produce a lot of waste grease, which is separated into two types: yellow and brown. Yellow grease is the leftover cooking oil from large fryers and griddles, while brown grease is the congealed fat, oil, grease, and solids – or FOG – that collects in a grease trap. Yellow grease has several benefits over brown, including:
- It’s less likely to be contaminated by bacteria from raw or decaying food.
- It’s relatively free of solids and other non-oil substances.
- It’s replaced more frequently, so it’s fresher and less solidified.
- It’s mostly pure oil – not a mixture of FOG.
All these qualities make yellow grease a purer and “cleaner” grease type. It’s also much easier to process than brown grease, largely because processors don’t have to account for contamination and impurities. Yellow grease can be then transformed into clean burning renewable fuel.
Benefits of Renewable Fuel
Renewable fuel that can be used in any engine that burns petroleum diesel, making it a versatile alternative that’s easy to use and acquire – especially on the West Coast. It’s also much cleaner and less toxic than other alternatives, with 75% fewer emissions than petroleum. Yellow grease is growing in popularity as a feedstock for renewable fuel, partly due to it being less carbon intense because it is a recycled product. Yellow grease-based renewable fuel boasts many benefits, such as:
- Reduced waste
- Higher performance
- Fewer emissions and particulates
- Longer safe storage time
Choose Renewable Fuel
Yellow grease-based renewable fuel is growing in popularity nationwide, and for good reason. It’s one of the best ways to cut back on waste and reduce emissions. We recycle both yellow and brown grease into eco-friendly renewable fuel that’s available throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. To learn more, contact us today.