KOCHI: Ernakulam is at the forefront in the state in the RUCO project that collects used oil from hotels and catering establishments. 80,066 liters of oil was collected in the district last year. Kozhikode is second. RUCO project aims to provide unadulterated and quality food resources. The oil is used to make biodiesel and soap.

Biodiesel manufacturing companies are located in Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Thrissur and Iringalakuda. Malappuram Kottakal is a soap manufacturing unit. 40 companies from outside Kerala are also collecting oil.

Traders can get it at the rate of Rs 55 per litre. Used oil should be stored in barrels. It will be collected by the agency of FSSAI. Oil from Ernakulam district is supplied to biodiesel companies in Chennai and Bengaluru.

In the past, dumping them in fields and fields caused environmental problems. There were also allegations that some gangs were buying oil, refining it and releasing it in the market under the name of new oil. Traders are now more willing to sell oil to Ruco as they can get good prices.

Biodiesel is produced by heating old oil with methanol in plants and processing it in stages. 85 per liter for sale. This diesel is in high demand due to its low price of Rs 12 and no pollution issues. 50,000 liters of used oil will be collected from Kerala in a month.