Much of the energy produced in Brazil comes from renewable sources. However, non-renewable energy are being used, especially oil, whose reserves are finite. An alternative fuel to diesel is biodiesel, a biofuel produced from renewable and recycled sources such as waste cooking oils and fats that emit fewer pollutants than petroleum-based fuels. The aim of this study was to survey, using questionnaires, the availability of waste cooking oils and fats from restaurants, snack bars, bakeries and industries in Itabira-MG, to evaluate and discuss the potential of biodiesel production according to supply, profitability and logistics aspects. Data on all establishments that have permits to operate were obtained from the City council and those located in central areas of the city were chosen for the survey. The results indicated that there is not a sufficient amount of waste cooking oils and fats to produce biodiesel in a large scale. The simulation done with the cost of biofuel production, however, showed that the values are compatible to the consumer market. Moreover, a concern that was raised was the donation of waste cooking oil to needy people of the city, a destination dangerous to their health
Biofuel; feasibility; supply
