How much bio are you guys actually making and using? We go threw 20-40 gallons of fuel a day, is that feasible to make? Do places like McDonalds, burger king, hardees give away/sell oil to the public?

 

Well, depends on how lazy they are and how lucky you are. There are companies that go out and collect this stuff and pay them a couple bucks for it. So, if the manager is proactive, he goes and checks around. If not, they simply pay to have it removed.

 

Securing oil sources is the biggest challenge,we do not pay for o ur oil

 

Securing the oil is THE biggest challenge. Second is the learning curve of the process, equipment, etc. Once that is out of the way it is pretty straightforward. As for the labor, if it is going to benefit me then I do not worry about it. Kinda like changing my own engine oil, or trans oil. It may take some time but I get all the benefit.

 

A average size restaurant, about how much bio can be made from the grease from one restaurant and about how often do they get rid of the grease?

 

I had seriously contemplated the bio route with a few friends, the initial cost was the main issue. After finding a nearly endless supply(for me) of used oil/ATF..that has worked out to be far cheaper.

 

What's average to you? I would say from the almost 50 sources that we collect from the average is probably 5-10 gallons per week. Figuring they have one fryer and change it weekly. We used to have a source that was 100 gallons per week until someone offered to pay them for it. We collect about 250-300 gallons per week typically. Figure about 25% is waste- water and food debris.

Quality of oil is a big concern, before you even talk to a manager go around back and look in their container- does it have lots of food and is it creamy colored? Both indicators of poor oil. You should be able to see at least 12" into the oil and the lighter the color the better.

Most places want a drum or dumpster out back to put it in so you need to be able to do that. Few places want the hassle of putting it back in the containers or buckets.

Don't assume its waste- it has value to someone. IE don't take stuff that is in someone else's container even with someone telling you its ok. Its called theft and I for one will not hesitate to call the police. The rare exception to this is occasionally we will get a call from a desperate owner with an overflowing drum because someone will not come get it- I make them sign a contract on the spot because I don't want to be just the go-to guy I want the oil all the time.

My point- don't go into it lightly. Yeah it sounds great making your own fuel for less than $1 gallon but like anything thats worth it there is work and capital costs.

 

Thanks for all the comments. One last question: is there anything to watch out for in switching back and forth between Dino-Diesel and Bio-Diesel? I use the X primarily for long trips and don't have readily available sources of biodiesel along the way.

 

No real difference.

 

YES! when you use petrodiesel your exhaust will smell toxic and crappy again!

 

I don't have the exhaust plumbed into the cabin so I never notice those things.

 

I notice it every time I stop and get out, when the weather is nice with the windows open at red lights, and the people driving behind me notice it

 

I guess I drive with the windows up all the time except when I am trying to air the vehicle. My exhaust goes behind the rear tire and sticks out a few inches so the exhaust goes rearwards. As to the people driving behind me, I guess I never ask

 

I would have never thought of it either but I have driven behind my buddy and my wife's car and you can definitely smell it. Also when unhooking and hooking up the trailer, and also if I'm running right into a store and back out I'll keep it running and lock it up. Many opportunities to enjoy the wonderful aroma of biodiesel exhaust