Recycling of Waste Cooking Oil to Produce Soaps and Detergents: Technical and Economic Feasibility Study

Abstract

Waste cooking oils (WCO), mainly oils used in the frying process are considered impair for both environment and the sewer system. This project aims at recycling these oils using alkali material and other ingredients to convert them into sellable product (soaps and detergents) in order to make a feasibility study for a project establishment. A preliminary investigation using a questionnaire indicated that large quantities of used frying oils, mainly corn oil with a percent of 64% followed by sunflower and soybean oils are disposed without any proper treatment. Literature review indicated the capability of converting these oils into soaps by the saponification reaction. Information about availability, types and quantities of these waste cooking oils was done by a questionnaire which was distributed randomly in Hebron city. Both liquid and bar soaps were formulated from WCO using alkaline materials and surfactants with the addition of dyes and fragrances which approves the technical feasibility of the project. A preliminary economic feasibility study was accomplished showing a payback period of 2.909 years with a return for the cash flow of 21.26% per year which approves the economic feasibility of the project.