The LSU AgCenter will host a one-day comprehensive workshop on how to make biodiesel fuel from used vegetable oil on May 4 at the Callegari Environmental Center in Baton Rouge.

“This is an advanced workshop,” said Bill Carney, LSU AgCenter director of the Callegari Center. “It will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. with a break for lunch.”

“It will be very hands-on. We’ll actually make biodiesel during the workshop, and demonstrate the three phases of the process–reaction, washing and drying. The participants will be trained on how to turn a waste product into quality biodiesel,” Carney said.

In addition to learning the chemistry of making biodiesel, the class will see the different kinds of equipment required to make used vegetable oil into quality biodiesel. The equipment will be on display.

“People can make biodiesel in their backyards for as little as a $1,000 investment,” Carney said. “Or they can spend up to $10,000. The average is about $2,500. But they shouldn’t invest in any equipment if they don’t have a reliable source of used vegetable oil.”

Participants also will learn how to troubleshoot if they run into problems making their own biodiesel, Carney said.

The cost for the workshop is $50, and participation is limited to 15 people. To register, call Sondra Rodriguez at 225-578-6998.

More information about the workshop is online at www.LSUAgCenter.com/callegari, including directions to the Callegari Center, which is off Nicholson Drive at 1300 Dean Lee Dr., south of the LSU campus.