City of De Soto

17 Boyd Street
De Soto, Missouri  63020
Phone 636.586.3326

Public Works Department

bio

We are currently witnessing a surge of interest in biofuels. Currently 1.85 billion gallons of biodiesel are made in the US every year, in addition to a sizable amount of homemade biodiesel. There may be an additional 1.37 billion gallons per year will be produced in the next 18 months.
This increase in production has resulted in a glut of co-products that are created in the biodiesel production process, effectively saturating the market, (10 lbs. of biodiesel produces 1 lb. of glycerin) so we must make sure all persons making Biodiesel from the large refinery's, to those making it at their homes, know that improper disposal of their by-product Crude Glycerin will critically damage or environment.

Some Glycerin Applications
• Personal care;
• Used in toothpaste, mouthwashes, skin care products, hair care products and soaps
• Serves as an emollient, humectant, solvent and lubricant in personal care products
• Competes with sorbitol although glycerin has better taste and higher solubility.
• A component of glycerin soap
• Drugs;
• Used in medical and pharmaceutical preparations, mainly as a means of improving smoothness, providing lubrication and as a
  humectant. Also may be used to lower intracranial andintraocular pressures.
• Laxative suppositories, and cough syrups

Crude glycerol is not a valuable product and sells currently for about 1 to 2 cents a gallon. Although it is possible to refine crude glycerin into a marketable product, it is a process that is beyond the reach of most small-scale producers due to the large investment in technology necessary for the refining process. It is therefore essential to find economically viable and environmentally friendly ways of using crude glycerin.
Biodiesel by-product Crude Glycerin must be disposed of properly, it can cause Fish kills, Spontaneous Combustion in land fills, cause wastewater treatment plant to have critical operation problems. You can learn more contact your local Department of Natural Resources or EPA to receive more information on the proper disposal methods.