[Bernard]

If you cook up biodiesel in your own home, how do the various government agencies collect their per-gallon tribute?

[PeteB570]

Biodiesel is only cheap because few people use, need or collect it right now.

Now, I think, a number of places would be happy for someone to come take it away for free.

It would not take many more users to drive up the "price". Then it would become "Use this item at this price or the other at a similar price." The free market is so wonderful.

[Xenalyte]

They don't. But you do have to commit a little real estate to it - my friends' setup takes up about 25 square feet of floor space.

[norwaypinesavage]

"If you cook up biodiesel in your own home, how do the various government agencies collect their per-gallon tribute?"

You just nailed it. Food grade cooking oil is now nearly cost competitive with the pump price of diesel fuel. Waste cooking oil is cheaper. However, once government taxes are collected (and they will, once enough fuel is made to dent the pump tax collections) the cost benefit will evaporate.

[spudsmaki]

Good point. How are the revenoors gonna collect all the road use taxes? The ATF still goes after the moonshiners and home distillers, they now have another job!

This will be self limiting. This stuff gels up badly under 40F and anti-gel agents are expensive. Plus, it gunks up the engine, it's a very dirty fuel.

I like the comment, "Will my car get the direrear, too!"

[satchmodog9]

Wait until the jack boots kick down your door demanding their cut.

[Fraxinus]

how do the various government agencies collect their per-gallon tribute?

Since biodiesel is cooking oil reprocessed in to an ester, the government is getting its cut from the alcohol that is used to make the esters.