Improper disposal of vegetable oil has a major impact on the environment. Also, with the aim of strengthening sustainable development and environmental protection, the City of São Paulo collected more than 10 tons of used oil and reused it in the production of 2 tons of soap, thereby preventing the contamination of 501 million liters of water supply even if the product was accidentally disposed of in the drains of homes and restaurants.
If not disposed of correctly, one liter of oil can contaminate approximately 25,000 liters of water and release three kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere during the decomposition process.
According to the City of São Paulo, the used oil will be collected using equipment from the Secretariat for Food and Nutrition Security (Cesana) in partnership with Viva Terra, a company specializing in the processing of edible oil.
conscious encouragement
Collection points are currently set up in the capital São Paulo at municipal markets, grocery stores, solidarity warehouses and 65 units of the Cosinha Escola network.
At these locations, residents can drop off their used oil and as an incentive, for every liter of oil donated, they are entitled to a bar of soap made from the material itself.
On average, one ton of oil is collected each month, yielding two tons of soap for cleaning.
Click here for information on where to collect used oil.
This year, the capital São Paulo has already recycled 10 tons of oil, the equivalent of 501 million liters of stored water, enough to fill 200 Olympic swimming pools. 54.9 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) were not emitted into the atmosphere, equivalent to 154 regular vehicles being taken out of circulation for one month.
City Hall is also considering expanding the number of collection points and strengthening the city’s commitment to initiatives that encourage everyone’s participation, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to residents’ quality of life.
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