Utilization of Used Cooking Oil in the Production of Creative, Eco-Friendly, and Economical Aromatherapy Candles

Abstract

Used cooking oil is a common household and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) waste that is often disposed of improperly, causing environmental pollution. This community service activity was conducted in RT 49, Gunung Sari Ilir Subdistrict, Central Balikpapan, which generates large volumes of used oil due to the presence of numerous MSMEs and lacks proper waste management. The objective of this program was to educate and empower the local community to process used cooking oil into economical and eco-friendly aromatherapy candles. The methods applied included surveys, educational sessions, technical workshops, and candle formulation trials using a trial-and-error approach. The results showed that the best formula was a 1:1 ratio of oil to paraffin with a 2:10 ratio of bleaching earth to oil, producing candles with a stable flame, well-dispersed aroma, and solid form. Additionally, the creation of a simple stirred reactor enhanced production efficiency. Pretest and posttest evaluations indicated a significant improvement in community understanding. This activity not only contributed to reducing waste but also opened opportunities for household-scale creative businesses and increased environmental awareness.