Used cooking oil is often disposed of carelessly by the community, which can pollute the environment and endanger health. Through this activity, residents are invited to process the waste into useful products and have economic value. In an effort to increase environmental awareness and community empowerment in RW 05 Pakintelan Village, Gunungpati District, the FMIPA Semarang State University (UNNES) community service team held a community service activity entitled “Used Cooking Oil Becomes a Blessing”. This activity focused on processing used cooking oil (jelantah) into useful products such as dishwashing soap, aromatherapy candles, and briquettes. The FMIPA Semarang State University community service team consists of a combination of lecturers and students from the Chemistry and Physics groups. This community service activity was chaired by Dr. Nuni Widiarti S.Pd., M.Si, with lecturer members Dr. Triastuti Sulistyaningsih M.Si., Dr. Budi Astuti, M.Sc., and Devy Lestari S.Pd., M.Pd. Meanwhile, the student team consisted of three members: Roja Maysa Rohamh, Nala Izzul Muna, and Amanda Farizka Maylani. The community service activity took place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Pakintelan.
The activity began with an opening remarks from the head of RW 05, Pakintelan Gunungpati Village, who welcomed the community service activity, themed “Used Oil Becomes a Blessing,” which utilized used cooking oil to make aromatherapy candles, scented coconut fiber, and briquettes. This activity increased residents’ knowledge of utilizing used cooking oil, which is often thrown away, into useful products and could even become a new business for housewives in RW 05 Pakintelan. The head of the community service team then expressed his gratitude for the participation of the women of RW 05 Pakintelan and expressed his hope that the training would be beneficial.
After the opening ceremony, the event continued with a presentation on the use of used cooking oil for making aromatherapy candles, scented soap, and briquettes. The first presentation covered the recycling process for used cooking oil, which involves letting the oil sit for 1-2 days to allow any impurities to settle. The oil is then filtered through a fine cloth or filter paper to remove any frying residue and ready to be used as a base for other products. The next presentation focused on making aromatherapy candles from used cooking oil. The ingredients used are 250 ml of clean used cooking oil, 200 grams of paraffin wax, a fragrance of your choice, a cotton wick, and a candle mold made from glass, used cans, or eggshells. Making aromatherapy candles begins by melting the paraffin wax over low heat, while still heating. Then, gradually add the used cooking oil and aromatherapy oil, stirring constantly. Once evenly distributed, prepare the container and wick, then pour the liquid wax into the container. Finally, let it harden and it’s ready to use.
For the next material is making fragrant soap for washing dishes with the ingredients used 1 liter of clean used cooking oil, 130-150 grams of caustic soda (NaOH), 300 ml of water, essential oils according to taste, natural dyes, and soap molds. The steps for making soap begin by mixing caustic soda into water and stirring thoroughly until dissolved. This mixing process produces a heating effect, so it needs to be left until the temperature drops to 40°C. Pour the solution into the oil while stirring for 30 minutes, followed by pouring the fragrance and dye little by little. Once evenly distributed, pour it into the mold and let it sit for 2-3 days followed by leaving the soap at room temperature for 3-4 weeks so that the pH drops to normal and is safe to use. For the final material is making briquettes by utilizing used cooking oil with 1 kg of sawdust or rice husk charcoal. 100 ml of used cooking oil, 100 grams of starch, enough water and molds from used bottles or pipes. The briquette-making process begins by mixing sawdust with flour and used cooking oil, then gradually adding water until the mixture is sticky. Once smooth, the mixture is ready to be molded and dried in the sun for 2-3 days, or until dry and ready to use as fuel.
The next activity was a hands-on activity on making aromatherapy candles, soap, and briquettes, led by women from RW 05 Pakintelan, led by the entire community service team. This activity is expected to raise public awareness about the importance of household waste management. Participants demonstrated high enthusiasm and plan to continue independent production. The resulting products have market potential, thus providing additional income for residents. The activity concluded with a group photo of the community service participants and their products.
Finally, it can be concluded that the “Used to Be Blessed Goods” program demonstrates that household waste, such as used cooking oil, can be processed into valuable and economically viable products. This activity not only reduces environmental pollution but also empowers the community through new skills and business opportunities.
