Footprint Recycling, located in Arcata, CA, is committed to providing locally-produced Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) based biodiesel to local diesel engine operators. Footprint believes that remanufacturing a local WVO into an alternative to diesel fuel - biodiesel - is a sustainable, community-based model for an ecologically-oriented business. Footprint applies the appropriate technology ethos of minimizing the impact - the ecological footprint - of human development to the biofuels and grease rendering industries.

Footprint’s Vision
Footprint began with a vision to provide Humboldt County with a locally owned and operated service that turns a waste product into commodities that benefit Humboldt communities. Footprint has developed a unique process for collecting and chemically changing Waste Vegetable Oil into a variety of products. Footprint turns WVO into diesel fuel, industrial grade hand cleanser, and industrial solvent. Footprint continues to seek innovative ways to turn a Humboldt waste product into a benefit to Humboldt residents.
Footprint Recycling incorporates a philisophy of re-use and ingenuity into all operations. More than 70% of Footprint’s equipment is salvage from scrap yards and dumps. Footprint takes pride in removing eye-sores from the community and customizing them into effective equipment at Footprint Recycling.

Local Waste Vegetable Oil (WVO) Collection
Footprint Recycling is Humboldt County’s only locally owned and operated Waste Vegetabl Oil collection agency. Footprint Recycling provides a clean, safe, and aesthetic tank for the disposal of restaurant generated WVO.
Methyl Esters (Biodiesel)
It is important to note there are mandatory steps needed to process the methyl esters and refine them into fuel-ready biodiesel. They must reach specific fuel characteristics before they can be used as fuel (see ASTM chart):
Collected WVO is heated, filtered, and reacted with a solution of methanol and sodium hydroxide. The resulting mixture is methyl esters (unrefined biodiesel). Once refined, our biodiesel is non-toxic, bio-degradable, and beign, which can be combusted in any diesel engine without modifications. Further, Footprint Recycling processes its fuel 1 more time to lower cloud point temperatures. Our biodiesel is “winterized” and can be combusted at lower temperatures than much of the currently available commercial biodiesel.

Glycerin
The remaining of the reacted mixture is approximately 85% pure crude glycerin. Footprint Recycling processes this material into an industrial strength hand cleanser and is currently marketing the product to automotive mechanics. Footprint Recycling is researching and constructing a still to concentrate the glycerin for sale to local soap makers.