Biodiesel Quick Facts

• Biodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be used instead of petroleum-based diesel.
• This fuel can be made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease. It is also nontoxic and biodegradable.
• Biodiesel is typically used as a blend of both petroleum diesel and biodiesel. Pure biodiesel is referred to as B100.
• The percent oxygen in biodiesel is about 10-12% higher than in regular petroleum diesel, resulting in reduced pollution. There is also a very low level of sulfur, which decreases air pollutants as well.
• WATCH: Biodiesel Basics
• Read more: Biodiesel Fact Sheet

Biodiesel Stations

Use the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Station Locator to find public biodiesel stations in Long Beach.
*Locations are subject to change, so we recommend calling the stations to verify location, hours of operation, and access. 

Biodiesel stations have very similar infrastructure to conventional diesel stations. Blends up to B20 can be dispensed with the same pumps and stored in the same tanks that would be used for regular diesel. Because biodiesel does tend to gel in cold weather, some parts of the dispensing system may need to be insulated and protected from freezing.

Biodiesel Blends

• B100 – This blend is pure biodiesel. It is less common than the lower level blends because there is a lack of regulatory incentives and pricing. This blend can be used in some engines built after 1994 with certain compatible material for parts. There is also lower energy content per gallon as compared to regular diesel. B100 requires special handing and some potential equipment modifications.
• B20 – Composed of 20% biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, this blend is the most commonly used biodiesel blend in the US. This fuel avoids the cold weather performance issues seen with B100 and also qualifies for biodiesel fuel credits under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. B20 and lower level blends generally do not require engine modifications.
• Lower Level Blend– Fuels containing 5% or less of biodiesel are approved for safe operation in any compression-ignition engine that is designed to operate on petroleum diesel. These blends can be used in diesel cars and trucks, tractors, boats, and electrical generators.