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Bistro

   Bistro

Bistro stands for Biodiesel Initiative for Sustainable Transport from Recycled Oil.  The aim of the project has always been to reduce dangerous carbon emissions and help the environment by re-using unwanted Used Cooking Oil (UCO), cleaning and processing the UCO into bio-diesel fuel for use in vehicles at 100% or a blended mix with regular diesel. 

Funding
The Bistro Project is jointly funded by Transport for London and the seven Seltrans boroughs.  Supporters of the project also include the Mayor of London.  We also have a firm partner on board in the shape of Thames Water. Having used oil poured down the drains causes many problems to water treatment facilities, so Thames Water have agreed to project-manage the UCO collection. Our other partner is SEA (Sustainable Energy Action), who will be the technical consultants for the implementation stage.


FAQ
What does Bistro stand for?
Biodiesel Initiative for Sustainable Transport from Recycled Oil

What does Bistro do?
The Bistro project originally aimed to collect used cooking oil (originally made from plants and therefore sustainable) and process this into a fuel that can be used to power Diesel engines. 

What is Biodiesel?
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from biological oils and fats. It has properties similar to ordinary diesel fuel made from crude oil and can be used in conventional diesel engines. Crops such as sunflower and rapeseed are the most common raw materials for biodiesel. However, biodiesel can also be made from otherwise troublesome waste products, such as recovered used cooking oils and tallow (animal fat from rendering plants). All these raw materials must go through a process called transesterification before they are suitable for use in vehicles. The feedstock oil is reacted with an alcohol, such as methanol (wood alcohol), converting the oil into biodiesel, which is then separated and used. This fuel is sometimes used pure, although in the UK it is usually blended with ordinary diesel up to a 30% blend.

What is the status of the Bistro project?
Check out our News page [link] to find out the current status and progress of the Bistro project.

Who benefits from Bistro?
Everyone!  Using biodiesel, even blended with regular diesel fuel, considerably reduces the carbon emitted by your vehicle.  This means that pollution is less and problems associated with carbon emissions such as Global Warming, respiratory problems and more are reduced.
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Who funds Bistro?
Bistro is funded and sponsored by the seven Seltrans boroughs; Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Transport for London.  We also have a firm partner on board in the shape of Thames Water. Having used oil poured down the drains causes many problems to water treatment facilities, so Thames Water were happy to have the opportunity to help prevent this!  Our other partner is SEA (Sustainable Energy Action), who are the technical consultants for the implementation stage.

Can Seltrans collect my Used Cooking Oil
No.  Seltrans did run a pilot scheme in 2005 which collected UCO from catering establishments within the Seltrans boroughs.  This scheme is no longer running and there are currently no plans to collect the oil ourselves.  However we do have contacts who will collect your used oil:

I want to purchase Biodiesel for my vehicle(s) who do I contact?
The Bistro project currently only has plans to provide Biodiesel to Seltrans’ borough fleets.  There are other suppliers of Biodiesel who may be able to help you however. 

I have a question, which isn’t covered here, who do I contact?
Alan Lucking,
Seltrans Business Manager,
Civic Centre, 
Stockwell Close,
Bromley,
BR1 3UH
Tel: (020) 8461 4996
Mobile: 07946 584 562
Fax: (020) 8313 4555
Email: alan.lucking@bromley.gov.uk
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