Environmental Benefits
Biodiesel significantly reduces dangerous emissions compared to its fossil fuel counterpart. Biodiesel reduces PAHs, which are compounds that have been identified as potential cancer causing agents, and particulate matter, which is sooty black smoke that is linked to health issues like respiratory illness and heart disease. Biodiesel also reduces pollutants that are associated with smog and acid rain formation. Since it is nontoxic and biodegradable, biodiesel is safer to handle and transport than petroleum.

From soybean production to fuel consumption, typical soy-based biodiesel results in a 78.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to petroleum diesel. Biodiesel made from recycled feedstocks like fryer grease are expected to have an even greater reduction. To calculate the approximate reduction in emissions from switching to biodiesel, click here.

Moreover, biodiesel is one of the most energy efficient liquid fuels available. Biodiesel yields 3.5 units of energy for every unit of fossil fuel energy used in its production. This energy balance is also likely higher for biodiesel made from recycled feedstocks. Biodiesel made from brown greases like trap grease have the additional environmental benefit of reducing the amount of grease in the sewers and local watershed. EPA estimates that grease is a leading cause of over 50% of sewer overflows, which release untreated contaminants into the watershed causing untold environmental damage.

Social and Economic Benefits
When biodiesel is made domestically using domestic resources, it reduces our reliance on foreign oil and strengthens our economy. Small-scale, local fuel production from a network of relatively small production facilities is less susceptible to major disruption from a single catastrophic event; diversification in energy production and supply will provide insulation from price spikes and shortages.