Costs to Make Biodiesel

The cost for biodiesel varies widely, depending on how it is produced and what it is produced with. Homemade biodiesel using recycled oil is quite cheap, while commercial, high-quality biodiesel is more expensive. In addition to financial costs, there are environmental costs to using biodiesel. Though biodiesel reduces certain greenhouse gasses, it increases others.

Homemade Biodiesel Equipment

The ingredients for making homemade biodiesel include a glass blender that is not used for food, a digital scale, lye (sodium hydroxide), a stainless steel spoon, a 200 ml glass container, a glass liter container, a glass container that will hold over 1.5 liters, methanol, and gloves and glasses.

Homemade Biodiesel Oil

The oil for biodiesel can be any type of vegetable oil, new or used. The cleaner the oil, the more expensive the biodiesel. Used or waste oil is much cheaper than pure oil.

Total Cost

The total cost for homemade biodiesel (not including such costs as a blender) can range from $1 a gallon for used oil and up. It is difficult to get used oil in large quantities, and unused commercial oil will add significantly to the price.

Commercial Biodiesel

Commercial biodiesel typically ranges from between $3 to $5 a gallon. The cost varies widely depending on competing crop use demand, weather and consumer demand for biodiesel.

Environmental Costs

Biodiesel may negatively impact the environment due to farming to make oil as well as burning in a diesel engine. However, overall biodiesel reduces carbon monoxide, particulate matter and hydrocarbons. Certain types of oil may impact the environment more than others.

Resources

• Department of Energy Net Cost of Biodiesel