A one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make biodiesel from used vegetable oil will be offered in Baton Rouge on April 25 at the W. A. Callegari Environmental Center, a unit of the LSU AgCenter. 

“This is an advanced workshop and different from the introductory workshops we have offered earlier,” said Bill Carney, LSU AgCenter environmental educator and director of the Callegari Center.

The workshop will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m., with a break for lunch.

“It will be very hands-on. We’ll actually make biodiesel during the workshop and demonstrate the three phases of the process – reaction, washing and drying. The participants will be trained on how to turn a waste product into quality biodiesel,” Carney said.

In addition to learning the chemistry of making biodiesel, the class will see the different kinds of equipment required to turn used vegetable oil into quality biodiesel. The equipment will be on display.

“People can make biodiesel in their backyards for as little as a $1,000 investment,” Carney said. “Or, they can spend up to $10,000. The average is about $2,000 to $3,000. But they shouldn’t invest in any equipment if they don’t have a reliable source of used vegetable oil.”

Participants also will learn how to troubleshoot if they run into problems making their own biodiesel.

Cost for the workshop is $50, and participation is limited to 15 people. To register, call Ronda Clark at (225) 578-6998. More information about the workshop is available here, including directions to the Callegari Center, which is off Nicholson Drive, south of the LSU campus.