16December 2024. Mszczonów has joined the Nationwide Collection of Used Cooking Oil (UCO). It is here that another UCOllectors will appear – a milestone to expand the number of waste fractions that can be collected and segregated by households across Poland.
The dumping of used cooking oil and vegetable fats (UCO, or used cooking oil) has seriously negative effects on the environment and sewage systems. UCO, or used cooking oil and butter, oil from salads, cans and canned food generated in households, among others. UCO poses a threat to surface water, soil, drinking water and sewage infrastructure.
EMKA S.A. is a company with more than 30 years of experience, has decided to use its know-how by developing a new business area – EMKA Oil. This is a fresh project by the company to meet the changing needs of society, blazing new trails and engaging in the application of modern technologies. “The company’s goal is to revolutionize the way people perceive UCO in order to create a positive and sustainable impact on the environment, through an innovative system of Nationwide Collection of Used Cooking Oil.” – says Krzysztof Rdest, CEO of EMKA S.A.
What is UCO?
Pouring used cooking oil and vegetable fats (Used Cooking Oil – UCO, or used cooking oil) into the sewer system is a common occurrence that can have seriously negative effects on the environment and the sewer system. Meanwhile, few people are aware of the negative effects on the environment and sewerage systems that such an action can have. UCO, which includes frying oil and butter, salad oil, canned and tinned oil generated in households, is a by-product of cooking and frying, and its improper handling poses a threat to surface water, soil, drinking water and sewage infrastructure.
What is the danger of pouring used cooking oil down the drain?
- damage to sewer systems.
- Contamination of surface and groundwater;
- The die-off of fauna and flora;
- soil contamination;
- Reduction in the quality of drinking water;
- compromising public health
Benefits of UCO recycling
Counterintuitively, there are a number of diverse uses for used cooking oil, considered a waste product. Given the high triglyceride content of processed fat, it is very often used as a biocomponent in the production of eco diesel or other eco fuels. However, this is not the only possibility – purified, processed oil can also be used in oil furnaces as a kind of fuel, providing thermal energy. In addition, in the chemical industry, such already purified waste finds additional use in the production of various types of synthetic plastics. Then the purified oil is further processed along with other substances.
Among the many benefits of proper UCO recycling, we can mention:
- Improving the process of treating domestic water and putting it back into circulation;
- Preventing clogging of hard-to-reach places in sewer pipes in their homes;
- Reducing the need for nuisance repairs by taking care of the city’s sewage system;
- Providing raw materials needed for scientific research and fuel production;
- Reducing the demand for natural resources needed to produce new oil;
- Reducing the amount of pollutants entering the water and air.
What products are created by UCO recycling?
- biofuels;
- cosmetics;
- cleaners
- biodegradable plastics;
- paints;
- candles;
- pet food.
UCOllector – a revolutionary system
UCOllector is a revolutionary system that allows for the creation of a network of points at the municipal level with machines to which the local community can donate UCO. This project will bring a significant increase in the level of recycling and recovery from waste at the level of municipalities and local governments. The system consists of special machines, but also innovative bottles, an interactive mobile application, logistics processes, recycling and reporting processes, as well as extensive educational and promotional activities including EMKA Oil’s flagship project – “Oil you pass, tree you have!”.
“Oil out, tree sprout!” – how does UCOllectors work?
As part of the “You’ll pass the oil, you’ll have a tree!” campaign, UCOllectors will dispense an empty bottle, made of eco-friendly material that can withstand the high temperature of the oil, to a user who registers in advance in a special free app. The average duration of oil collection in a household, is one and a half months. With the help of the app, the user returns the full bottle to UCOllector, and his account is credited with points that can be exchanged for ecological rewards, such as tree seedlings.
How to join the UCO collection?
1. sign up for the Olejomaty app
Sign up for an account on the OLEJOMATY app, which allows you to participate in the used cooking oil (UCO) collection program. The app is free, available on the App Store / Google Play.
2. get your bottles from the Oilomat
After registering on the app, go to the Olejomat of your choice. Scanning the QR code from the app, retrieve a special bottle, made of eco-friendly material (resistant to high oil temperatures), from the Olejomat for collecting used cooking oil.
3. collect used cooking oil
Collect your household’s used cooking oil in a special bottle taken from the Oil Maker. The average collection time for used oil is one and a half months.
4. return the bottles to the Olejomat
Once the bottle is full, return the bottle with the used cooking oil to the Olejomat by again scanning the QR code from the mobile app. Remember to tightly cap the bottle before putting it in the Oilmaker. At this point, you can retrieve a new bottle for further collection of used cooking oil. Once the used cooking oil collection has been verified, you will receive points to your account in the app for each bottle you donate.
5. collect points and redeem rewards
For every bottle you donate, you will receive 100 points to your account. Once you have accumulated 300 points, you can exchange them for a reward once a year.
Intuitive mobile app
The UCOllectors mobile app is an intuitive tool for managing UCO collection from the user’s level. It is available for iOS and Android devices: https://olejomaty.pl/OLEJOMATYAPP.html To use it, create an account, collect points for donated oil and exchange them for attractive prizes. The app also provides instructions for proper collection, locates the nearest UCOllectors and reads a variety of educational materials on ecology and environmental protection.
Olejomat in Mszczonów
“Mszczonów will see the first Olejomat, where residents will be able to donate used cooking oil. This is a project that we learned about during one of the conferences for local governments, and we immediately knew that we had to introduce it in our region. I’m glad that thanks to this project we will be able to contribute to the protection of the environment, as well as make it easier for the residents of Mszczonów to properly deal with used cooking oil.” – emphasized Józef Kurek, Mayor of Mszczonów.
The innovative solution of Olejomats will gradually be delivered to local governments across the country. Together with EMKA, we cordially invite you to take part in the National Collection of Used Food Oil. This is a unique initiative that allows each of us to contribute to protecting the environment and taking care of our planet. By collecting used cooking oil, we not only help reduce pollution, but also support sustainable development efforts. Join us and together let’s take steps toward a greener future! Together with EMKA, we cordially invite you to participate in the National Collection of Used Cooking Oil. This is a unique initiative that allows each of us to contribute to protecting the environment and taking care of our planet. By collecting used cooking oil, we not only help reduce pollution, but also support sustainable development efforts. Join us and together let’s take steps toward a greener future!
