Be8 signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Association of Waste Pickers (ANCAT) to recycle the use of used cooking oil

The initiative aims to expand the collection of raw material for the production of biodiesel, promoting the generation of work and income for waste pickers

On Friday (12/22), Be8 signed a Protocol of Intentions with the National Association of Waste Pickers (ANCAT), with the aim of promoting the circular economy of Used Cooking Oil (UCO) for its use as raw material in the production of biofuels, generating the social and economic inclusion of waste pickers. The document was signed by Ana Cristina Curia, Sustainability Manager at Be8, and Roberto Laureano da Rocha, President of ANCAT, during the 10th edition of Expotasters, which takes place in Brasilia.

"This articulation with ANCAT is very important for us to be able, together with the waste pickers' cooperatives, to promote an adequate mobilization that allows us to accelerate the process of collection and use of Used Cooking Oil in the production of biofuel, generating more opportunities for work, income and social inclusion for the participants," said Ana Cristina. The initiative, at the same time, preserves the environment and water resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and giving a safe and sustainable destination to a waste that could be inappropriately dumped into nature.

"This partnership with Be8 is important because it can expand the performance of waste pickers with the collection of this waste, adding more value to this action, closing the income account for the participants," said Rocha.

The Company and the Association will assist in the environmental education of the population with an emphasis on the use of residual oils and fats for the production of biofuels, promote the inclusion of unorganized street waste pickers in projects aimed at the collection of post-consumer waste oils and fats in urban centers, usable in the production of biofuels, and foster and strengthen initiatives associated with the circular economy with the priority participation of cooperatives or associative entities of recyclable material collectors.

The company will carry out a feasibility study for the organization and execution of a logistics chain for the collection, cleaning, storage and delivery of Used Cooking Oil at Be8 plants which, after being cleaned and standardized within the technical specification, will be used to produce biodiesel. For each project to be implemented together, there will be a specific contract to regulate the relationship between the parties to advance the fundraising and implementation strategy.

Be8 already has an important experience in maintaining in Passo Fundo (RS), its headquarters, the Be Sustainable program, which has as partners the Friends of the Environment Cooperative (COAMA) and the Association of Entities of the Transform Action Project. They act as suppliers and partners in the search for used cooking oil collected in the community and directed to the production of biodiesel.

A partnership with the Madero restaurant group for the acquisition of Used Cooking Oil from the restaurant chain was also signed to be used as raw material for the manufacture of biofuel.