A‑drop‑off‑fuel Toolkit User Guide
- dhanvin patel
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 8
A complete guide for schools and partners launching the Used Cooking Oil (UCO) Collection Initiative
1. Introduction
A‑drop‑off‑fuel is a student‑led sustainability initiative that transforms household used cooking oil (UCO) into clean biodiesel. This toolkit provides all the resources a school needs to launch the program safely, efficiently, and with measurable impact.
Design your program - https://dhanvinpatel1002.wixsite.com/adropofffuel/post/transforming-waste-into-opportunity-a-step-by-step-guide-for-school-changemakers
This guide explains how to use each component step by step.
2. Awareness Video
Purpose
To educate students, parents, and staff about the environmental impact of UCO and the role they can play in the circular‑economy model.
How to Use
Play during school assemblies
Share in parent meetings or orientation sessions
Embed in school Circular
Use as the opening activity for environmental club meetings
Outcome
Creates immediate understanding and motivation across the school community.
3. UCO Collector Partnership
Purpose: Ensure safe, compliant, and reliable transfer of collected UCO to licensed recyclers.
Steps:
Identify certified collectors who are government‑licensed and connected to biodiesel producers.
Hold an introductory meeting to agree on collection process and point setup ,pickup frequency, safety expectations, and documentation.
Align on reporting, including litres collected and environmental impact summaries.
Outcome: A transparent, dependable partnership that guarantees all UCO is safely converted into clean fuel.
4. Collection Centre Setup
Purpose: Create a safe, organised drop‑off point for student submissions.
Steps:
Choose a safe location (shaded, ventilated, away from heat).
Set up storage with a sealed drum, spill tray, table (Usually provided by the collector)
Train staff / student volunteers to verify pouches, record submissions, and manage storage.
Follow safety rules: accept only cooled UCO, ensure pouches are sealed, and keep containers closed.
Schedule regular pickups with the UCO collector and maintain pickup logs.
Outcome: A smooth, safe, student‑run collection system that supports consistent operations.
5. Leak‑Proof Pouch & Sticker Ordering Process
Purpose
To provide a safe, standardized way for students to transport UCO.
What’s Included
Approved pouch design [Specifications -500ml ( 140mm (w) x 210mm (h) x {40mm + 40mm} (bg) )-Spout Size -16 MM-Spout Place-Center Spout
Sticker design [150 mm height,85 mm width ]
Safety specifications (heat‑resistant, odour‑proof, spill‑proof)
Recomended Website -https://www.swissonline.co.in/ ,https://swisspac.ae/
How to Use
Select a supplier of pouch and list
Place bulk orders of pouch and stickers based on student numbers
Reorder pouch or stickers as required every year
Note- if the pouches are financed by School/UCO collector,the pouch can be provided for free to students else charge per unit cost to student .Recomend to use a money collection piggy bank at the distribution centre
If the frequency of deposit is high by a student, use sticker on both sides of pouch. Additional pouch if further required.
Outcome
Safe, hygienic, school‑friendly UCO collection.
6. Pouch Distribution Centre Setup (Brief Version)
Purpose: Provide students with easy access to leak‑proof UCO pouches and manage distribution smoothly.
Steps:
Choose a central location such as the school reception, admin office, or club room.
Store pouches visibly and safely so students can collect them during school hours.
If pouches are paid, the centre can:
Collect the payment
Issue the pouch immediately
Display clear instructions on how to use the pouch and where to submit filled ones.
Outcome: A convenient, organised distribution point that ensures every student can participate easily and responsibly.
7. School Circular (Parent Communication)
Purpose
To inform families about the initiative and guide them on how to participate.
How to Use
School sends via email or the school app
Attach the Awareness Video link
Ensure the students are able to get the pouches from the distribution centre
Walk in to classrooms for on field awareness creation
Outcome-Ensures every Student and household knows how to collect,store, seal, and send UCO safely.
8. Recording & Reward System
Purpose
To track student contributions and award CAS/SUPW/service‑learning credits.
How It Works
Students mention their information on the sticker on the pouch.
Student name
Grade
Bus
Year
Students submit UCO in the leak‑proof pouch to the responsible (Bus conductor/Collection point)
For every submission ,Volunteers or staff sign the sticker on the pouch with date in the respective block
Pouch returned to the student as per process designed (Bus offboarding point/collection point)
At end of the year, a google form link is sent to students to fill their participation detail with picture of the label on the pouch.
Validate the picture and the submissions reported by student
Schools can generate reports and:
CAS grading reports
SUPW hours reports
Certificates based on level of participation
Annual impact summaries
Outcome
A transparent, motivating, data‑driven participation model.
9. Training Videos
Purpose
To ensure students and staff understand the process clearly.
Create Videos as per your process .
Watch for this school -https://youtu.be/2Vrpuok29DA
Outcome
Smooth, consistent implementation across the school.
10. Safety & Compliance Guidelines
Key Rules
Only cooled UCO should be collected
Pouches must be sealed tightly
No mixing with water or food waste
Store UCO away from heat sources
Only certified biodiesel partners may collect
Outcome
A safe, compliant, school‑approved sustainability program.
Conclusion
This toolkit empowers schools to launch a high‑impact sustainability initiative with minimal cost and maximum student engagement. With structured resources, a smart tracking system, and a safe collection process, A‑drop‑off‑fuel makes it easy for young people to lead real climate action.
Contact -adropofffuel@gmail.com
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