Turning Food Waste into Energy: How Used Cooking Oil and Organics Drive the Circular Bioeconomy

The Role of Food Waste in Renewable Energy

The food waste-to-energy (FWTE) field brings together advanced thermochemical and biological technologies that convert discarded food materials into usable power and fuels. Common processes include composting, anaerobic digestion, and combustion, all proven at municipal, agricultural, and industrial scales.

How Food Waste Becomes Energy

As regulatory pressures and sustainability goals grow, food producers, processors, and municipalities are seeking value-generating solutions. Turning food waste and used cooking oil into renewable fuels helps reduce emissions, meet compliance targets, and recover lost energy value.

The Value of Used Cooking Oil in Clean Fuel Production

Used cooking oil is one of the most accessible and energy-dense waste feedstocks available. When processed through renewable diesel, biodiesel, or co-processing technologies, it creates cleaner fuels that meet low-carbon standards. This makes it a critical component in the circular bioeconomy, reducing reliance on fossil inputs.

LEC Partners’ Expertise in Food Waste-to-Energy Projects

At LEC Partners, our experts help clients evaluate the most technically and economically viable options for their projects. We combine technical, financial, and regulatory expertise to guide decision-making across every stage of development.

Key Areas of Focus in Food Waste-to-Energy

• Biofuels and Renewable Fuels: Ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel, RNG, syngas, biochar, and hydrogen.
• Feedstock Strategy and Analysis: Used cooking oil, agricultural residues, lignin, forest products, glycerin, sludge, and MSW.
• Biomaterials and Biotechnologies: Circular economy solutions and advanced biochemical innovation.

For over 30 years, LEC Partners has helped organizations navigate the bioeconomy—reducing risk, improving performance, and accelerating innovation.