You can make biodiesel on a small scale. However, it may be difficult to show that it meets the commercially-required American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) quality specification because of the cost of the tests. Also, on a small scale the labor cost becomes a large part of the production cost. You also need to work out in advance what procedures you will use to assure safety during the production process, and how you are going to deal with your waste products, including glycerin that is contaminated with methanol. Improper disposal of these materials may defeat any environmental benefits that accrue from using the biodiesel. Be sure to study the Material Safety Data Sheets for the methanol and catalyst, and follow the safety precautions.
For more information on small scale biodiesel production see Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale Noncommercial Use and Production by Matt Steiman, et al., Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences.
For general information on biodiesel production see the National Biodiesel Education Program site.
Contributors: Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont and Grant Seelgen
