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County staff to explore grease-recovery technology that could turn brown grease into fuel feedstock
Summary
Public Works staff reported evaluating a 'grease bazilla' solution for managing brown grease and food waste, noting brown grease can be sold for sustainable aviation fuel and other byproducts used as anaerobic digester feedstock.
County Public Works staff reported on an exploratory visit to a facility that uses a high-capacity grease-management system, suggesting Muskegon County consider similar approaches to reduce waste and recover value.
"I realized that maybe a kind of a pricey proposition, but I think it's something we probably should pursue if at all possible," Dan said after describing the "grease bazilla" solution. He told the board brown grease can be recovered and sold; "Typically, it's purchased by British Petroleum for the sustainable aviation fuel market," Dan said. He also explained that the meal-byproduct (referred to in the record as "batter") can be used as feedstock for anaerobic digesters: "HRSD uses it as a feedstock for their anaerobic, digester."
Staff recommended pursuing potential pilot options to determine feasibility given costs, market demand and operational requirements. The discussion was framed as an exploration rather than a formal procurement or policy commitment; staff asked the board to consider pursuing possibilities.
No formal vote, contract or funding commitment for a grease-recovery project is recorded in the provided segments.
