Alaska Waste announces new biodiesel program

Alaska Waste announces plans to fuel its refuse and recycling fleet with biodiesel beginning fall 2009. The company plans to convert used cooking oil from local restaurants into fuel through the first commercial-scale biodiesel processing plant in Alaska. The 250,000 gallon capacity facility is expected to be up and running by fall of 2009.

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel that will reduce Alaska Waste’s carbon dioxide generation by up to 80% when compared to petroleum-based diesel currently in use. “Reducing the carbon footprint of our operations has been our focus over the past couple of years,” said Jeff Riley, chief operating officer for the company. “The rapid advance biodiesel processing technology gives us the confidence that we’ll be able to successfully integrate biodiesel into our day-to-day operations.”

The list of customers signing on to Alaska Waste’s program is growing quickly as customers become aware of the option. Doug Foster, Alaska Director of Operations of the Village Inn and Qdoba Restaurants, said, “the handling of cooking oil has always presented a unique challenge to our kitchen staff. Alaska Waste will provide us with much more viable collection and disposal service.” Cooking oil will be collected in a state of the art collection vessel inside the restaurant which simplifies handling and eliminates the potential for spillage during storage. Other local customers include; New Sagaya, McDonald’s, Burger King, Glacier Brewhouse, Wendy’s, Peanut Farm and Sourdough Mining Company.

Earlier this year Alaska Waste offered a single stream, curbside recycling service that is now available to more than 35,000 homes within the Municipality of Anchorage. “The success of any recycling has always been finding sustainable, local uses for the recycled product. Alaska Waste’s biodiesel program definitely meets a local need.” stated Randy Virgin, the city’s Renewable Resource Director.

The company also plans to offer a single collection point for small businesses and residents that need to dispose of used cooking oils. For information about the service please call our office at 563-3717.

For more information about Biodiesel, visit www.biodiesel.org, or send us your questions to biodiesel@akwaste.com.