Sustainability assessment of the valorization scheme of used cooking oils (UCOs): the case study of Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract Harnessing of second-generation feedstocks via circular economy approaches is generally considered as environmentally friendly. Nonetheless, different potential impacts can be caused during collection and transformation such feedstocks, affecting overall sustainability. Assessment particular importance when producing waste-based biofuels. In this regard, work’s aim was to carry out a sustainability assessment the existing reclaiming exploitation strategy used cooking oil (UCO) in Bogota, Colombia. Currently, UCO collected, pretreated, mostly exported Europe for biodiesel production. Based upon literature data life cycle (LCA), several criteria were derived, measured, interpreted within framework integrative concept (ICoS). As reference system, results compared with those obtained from assessing current production first-generation palm-oil-based biodiesel. Results LCA indicate that, per ton UCO-based biodiesel, emissions 1.06 kg PM2.5-eq, 2.54 NOx-eq, 607.6 CO 2 -eq, 2.81 SO 0.09 P-eq are generated that there use 9.1 m 3 water, 259 oil-eq. transportation stages larger contributors impacts, surprisingly, equivalent fossil fuel consumption higher than Nevertheless, valorization displayed better performance respect system terms health, safety, environmental, economic, social indicators. All reduced by 30 50% under scenario local