Chemist Martial Gervais Oden-Bella developed a method for recycling used cooking oil by turning it into soap! Not only is he helping the environment, but he’s made a profitable business in the process.
In Cameroon, people were tossing the used oil down the drain, which can pollute water treatment systems and the environment. When the oil ends up in the environment, it’s harmful and toxic to wildlife. Now the businesses (restaurants and hotels in the southwestern city of Douala) save the used oil to give to Oden-Bella, who turns it into soap and other cleaning products.
Oden-Bella was inspired to come up with a solution to the oil problem after hotel officials consulted with him about the massive amounts of oil their business was using and inappropriately discarding. They admitted to releasing the cooking waste into the environment but said they were concerned about the harmful effects their actions could cause.
Being the smart chemist that he is, he started experimenting with possible ways in which he could use the oil or turn it into something useful. That was how he developed a way to make cleaning products from the waste. After perfecting the system, he launched production in 2014. Now, his business is in full operation, producing 165 kilograms of soap and two tons of liquid detergent every month. Everybody loves his product!
His system of recycling oil has even reached small businesses like a donut street vendor. For example, Adeline Monkam sells donuts on the side of the road in Douala, and she had no idea that she was harming the environment by dumping the oil. Now, she saves it so Oden-Bella can recycle it. She’s not the only one. Everyone is joining in. A lot of people didn’t know it was terrible for the planet, but after learning and knowing there was a use for the old oil, they gladly recycled it.
For those wondering how to dispose of cooking oil, it’s essential to explore eco-friendly alternatives, such as recycling it or donating it to initiatives that repurpose it into useful products.
Biotex Laboratory, where the soap is made, is led by environmental scientist Frantz Tafongang. He explains how the whole procedure is terrific because the recycling operation reduces pollution by transforming it into a new valuable product. He says that although the oil is harmful before processing, it is the complete opposite when they are done with it. A dirty ingredient turns into a cleaning product! How great is that?
