Heating Things Up: How Long Islanders Are Planning On Fueling The Local Economy

Sure you may have seen gas prices take a plunge, but for some not far enough. In fact, the rising prices have led some to pour restaurant grease in their tanks for fuel and have inspired one Long Island company to take matters even further.

The Bohemia-based company opened the doors to the premier biodiesel plant geared at converting grease into fuel, a product that will also be safe for your engine.

Instead of expensive “virgin” oils like soy or corn the company will process yellow fat and trap grease into a less expensive alternative that can serve as an alternative fuell for diesel cars, trucks and school buses as well as an optional heating oil.

Additionally, the company addresses the problem of disposable waste by turning it into a viable energy solution by converting it into a clean, renewable energy product that will also lower the amount of harmful emissions that make it into the atmosphere.

Unburned hydrocarboans, carbon monoxide and particulate matter are also reduced, and it will do away with sulfur oxides and sulfate emissions which are all key components of acid rain that diesel engines typically produce. Plus, this new product helps reduce most forms of air pollution, including cancer-causing compounds.

Not to mention that it will eliminate the illegal expulsion of grease into drains, which has become a major problem.

According to officials, one gallon of grease can be converted into an equal amount of biodiesel and the company expects to produce approximately 1,000 gallons daily in the initial stages of operation and up to 20,000 gallons daily in the future.

Currently, say experts, there is a need for nearly 3 billion gallons of biodiesel and it’s expected that the company will make between 250 and 300 million gallons this year. And, they add that making the product locally will allow them to make it at a reduced price and avoid transportation costs, fees, and surcharges.