Corrections signs on to supply Biodiesel New Zealand

17 April 2012

Corrections signs on to supply Biodiesel New Zealand

The Department of Corrections has signed on to supply used cooking oil from all 18 of its prison kitchens across the country to Biodiesel New Zealand.

The deal will see about 5,000 litres of used cooking oil a month avoid the landfill and instead be converted into high-quality Biogold™ renewable fuel. Every litre of used cooking oil makes a litre of Biogold™ fuel and saves more than 2kg of carbon emissions. By supporting a local manufacturer, the Department of Corrections is also helping to support jobs and reduce New Zealand’s dependence on imported fossil fuel.

“The Department of Corrections is excited to be contributing towards a greener environment by collecting waste cooking oil to supply to Biodiesel for refinement into a sustainable renewable product,” says Brent Maughan, National Manager Corrections Inmate Employment. “Prisoners who work in our prison kitchens are enthusiastic to be involved as they take pride in their workplace and environment.”

Each prison houses its own Biodiesel-supplied collection tank for used cooking oil to be stored once it has reached the end of its useful life. Biodiesel carefully manages its collection logistics with pickups made monthly. North Island collections are brought together in large consignments in South Auckland, then sent by sea to Lyttelton. The oil is processed and converted into biodiesel in Christchurch.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with the Department of Corrections,” Biodiesel New Zealand General Manager, Andrew Simcock, says. “Every drop counts; for every tonne of used cooking oil provided to make Biogold™, the country’s CO2 emissions are reduced by at least two tonnes when compared with using mineral diesel.”

Biodiesel New Zealand is a Solid Energy business. Its Biogold™ fuel is made from waste cooking oil and locally grown oilseed rape crops. The company operates a national network to collect used cooking oil from food processors and large restaurants. See www.biogold.co.nz.
Photo: (L to R) Biodiesel’s Senior Production & Technical Sales Operator, Dean Weastell, Department of Corrections National Manager Corrections Inmate Employment, Brent Maughan, Sector Manager Internal Services, Russell Baker, and Biodiesel General Manager, Andrew Simcock.

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