Feb. 03, 2009

The used oil collected will save taxpayer dollars as it is used as bio-fuel to help power county vehicles and reduce the county’s overall fuel consumption.

Spano said, “Our experience with the ‘Veggie Van’ has proven that by using vegetable oil fuel technology, we can literally power vehicles on a waste product that other people are throwing away. With this service, restaurants and food establishments won’t have to pay someone to cart away their used oil and we save money on fuel. It’s good for business and it’s good for the environment.”

While the county already is converting limited quantities of vegetable oil to fuel the Veggie Van and other equipment, this service will expand the use of bio-fuel to more vehicles – and potentially to heat county buildings.

The Veggie Van, introduced two years ago, travels around the county to promote biodiesel fuel and other renewable energies, as well as provide environmental education. The brightly colored green van has become a big hit with adults and children, visiting schools, community groups and environmental centers.

Spano said that for every 10,000 gallons of vegetable oil collected, the county can save $25,000 in fuel spending, based on the average cost of $2.50 per gallon of petroleum diesel. Additionally, using biodiesel fuel supports the county’s efforts to address the effects of global warming.

“We know that we can count on an estimated 25,000 gallons of additional used vegetable oil to be generated annually just from the businesses that already have signed-up,” Spano said. “Right at the start, that can save the county more than $50,000 in fuel costs. We’d also be removing 415 tons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.”

In addition to the new businesses, Glen Island Harbour Club and Fountain Club, both in New Rochelle, Aquario Restaurant in West Harrison, Westchester Medical Center and some county parks concessionaires have been providing the county with about 25,000 gallons of used oil annually.

As a pilot test, the county just started using a blend of 10 percent vegetable oil and 90 percent heating oil at its Brockway Place garage. If successful this season and if the county can collect enough used oil, the blend will be used to heat other buildings next year, with a potential savings of up to $75,000 annually.
 
“The potential for this service is tremendous,” Spano added.
 
Today’s announcement was made at Sam’s of Gedney Way, one of eight restaurants and businesses that have signed up for the service so far. Joining Spano at the news conference were representatives from MasterCard, the Westchester County Restaurant Association, the county’s Chefs Association and other restaurants. Spano acknowledged Peter Hererra, owner Sam’s of Gedney Way, Caperberry Events Catering and the Great American Barbeque Outdoor Catering, for helping the county kick-off this program.

“I applaud all of the restaurant owners and business representatives for their participation,” Spano said. “Everyone we’ve spoken to so far has been enthusiastic about this environmental initiative and willing to get on board to support the county’s efforts.    
  
Initially, used vegetable oil will be picked up by the county monthly, from north county areas on Tuesdays and for south county areas on Fridays. The oil will be processed into a clean-burning alternative fuel that emits 80 percent less carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons than petroleum-based diesel.  It can be used alone or blended with conventional diesel and used as motor fuel.
 
Restaurant owners, caterers and businesses interested in this service can schedule a pick-up by either completing the online form or by calling (914) 813-5478.