Waste Cooking Oil Recycling and the Potential Use of Blockchain Technology in the UK

Abstract

This study explores the recycling of Waste Cooking Oil (WCO) in the UK, analysing the recycling models and practices, and investigating the application of blockchain technology (BCT) from Z company’s Southern European project to UK’s WCO recycling. Employing a multi-method qualitative approach, including unstructured and semi-structured interviews, the research delves into the experiences of current WCO recycling methods in the UK and Z company’s project. Through thematic analysis of both primary data and archival data, the study identifies seven distinct recycling models in the UK and assesses the implementation of BCT using the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. The research underscores the current state of WCO recycling in the UK, highlighting the industry’s challenges and providing recommendations for future implementation. Its significance lies in addressing the academic gap in WCO recycling studies and offering insights into recycling models and BCT application, potentially guiding future commercial endeavours.