Grease Trap Waste Recycling for Biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Client:

Council asset servicing & maintenance supplier

A damaged and rusted engine with various metal parts and hoses, showing signs of fire and corrosion.

Waste Type:

Grease trap waste

Client Overview

The client manages large volumes of grease trap waste across commercial operations. Previously, this waste stream was sent to composting as a low value input, resulting in high processing costs and limited environmental benefit. The goal was to identify a more efficient and sustainable solution that could reduce costs while unlocking new value from the waste.

Challenge: High-Cost, Low-Value Grease Trap Waste Disposal

Develop a best in class solution to reduce operating costs and transform grease trap waste into a viable revenue stream.  The waste material was previously sent to composting as a low value feedstock, resulting in high processing costs, logistical inefficiencies, and limited environmental benefit. The challenge was to identify a solution that could recover higher value components from the waste stream while remaining commercially feasible and scalable within the Australian market.

Outcome: New Revenue Stream from Renewable Fuel Feedstock

We analysed the composition and volumes of the grease trap waste stream and conducted market research into advanced processing technologies used in Europe, alongside relevant Australian case studies. Based on these insights, we developed a commercial business case for onsite processing technology to separate and refine the fat and tallow component. The recovered material is then sent to a third party partner for use as feedstock in biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel production.

Impacts & Benefits

Reduced disposal and processing costs through onsite recovery

Creation of a new revenue stream via recovered fat and tallow offtake

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100 percent diversion of grease trap waste from landfill

Lower carbon emissions through conversion into biodiesel

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Practical circular economy outcomes

Driving Circular Economy Solutions in Australia

This project demonstrates Circular Futures’ expertise in waste recovery, renewable fuel pathways, and circular economy strategy. By combining technical analysis, global market research, and industry partnerships, we help Australian businesses transform complex waste streams into valuable energy resources — delivering measurable commercial and environmental outcomes.