1.2 million kilograms of CO2 saved: Münzer and Styrian AWVs collected more than 400 tons of used cooking oil

Styria impressively demonstrates that used cooking oil can be used to actively protect the climate: in 2024, the collection of over 400 tons of used cooking oil saved more than 1.2 million kilograms of CO2 emissions - made possible by the close cooperation between the Styrian waste management associations (AWVs) and Münzer Bioindustrie.

"The close and trusting partnership with the Styrian waste management associations is a success factor in our work - it has contributed significantly to the fact that we have been able to increase collection volumes by around 20 percent over the past five years. On behalf of all AWVs, my special thanks go to the managing director of the umbrella organization of the Styrian waste management associations, Dr. Christian Schreyer, as well as to all citizens who actively contribute to CO2 reduction through their commitment," emphasizes Ewald-Marco Münzer, Managing Director of Münzer Bioindustrie.

The remarkable result has now been honored at Münzer's headquarters in Sinabelkirch - including the traditional handover of CO2 certificates. "Our partnership with Münzer Bioindustrie is an impressive demonstration of how the circular economy works in practice. Used cooking oil is not waste - it is a valuable raw material. Together with the population, we are making an active contribution to climate protection," emphasizes Schreyer.

Successful model with a role model effect

The cooperation between Münzer Bioindustrie and the Styrian AWVs has existed for over a decade and is considered a prime example of successful environmental work. Everything that is left over after cooking or frying is collected: Frying oil, frying fat, leftover butter, seed oil or oil from the pan. Oil from pickled food can also be placed in the collection container. In the Styrian municipalities, there are practical residual fat bins available for this purpose, which can be handed in at any waste collection center (ASZ) or resource park. There are also public collection containers in many towns, the so-called Münzer boxes.

The collected fats are processed by Münzer Bioindustrie into high-quality biodiesel, which produces up to 93% less CO2 than conventional fuel. This makes kitchen waste an important contribution to the energy transition - at no extra cost to citizens. "Every bottle of used cooking oil collected counts - not only for the environment, but also for our healthy circular economy," says Ewald-Marco Münzer.

The steadily increasing collection volumes show this: Awareness of sustainable disposal is growing. Münzer and the Styrian AWVs want to use this momentum to motivate even more households to participate in the future. Because: grease does not belong in the drain - it belongs in the collection container.