Recycling kitchen oils to produce biodiesel has the advantage of protecting the sewer system, as well as preventing soil and water contamination. In the São Paulo neighborhood of Cerqueira Cesar, oil recycling resulting in a 50-percent reduction in the need to unclog pipes in the 1,500 buildings that since 2008 have participated in program, according to the local sanitation company. The oil is sent to biodiesel conversion plants.

This reinforces projects like Biofrito, of the government's agricultural research agency Embrapa, which is developing the technology and a plant to be opened this year. The aim is to produce 5,000 liters per day for diesel engines, from used oils.

“Getting the community to participate in recycling — including schoolchildren, housewives and businesses — is essential for success,” project coordinator José Dilcio Rocha told Tierramérica.

Reducing emissions of greenhouse-effect gases is another of the project's major benefits, he said.