A new smart device created by a team of young Bahrainis is offering a cleaner and safer way to dispose of used oils – without harming the environment.
The project, named ‘Tanka’ – an Arabic term referring to a metal container traditionally used to store and transport oils and food – is the result of a collaborative effort by 15 brilliant students from Al Jabriya Secondary Industrial School for Boys.
The team brought together expertise from the school’s electronics, computer technology and welding departments, under the supervision of computer technology teacher Talal Ahmed Al Hashemi.
Designed to address the growing problem of unsafe oil disposal, Tanka is capable of collecting two types of used oils – cooking oil and motor oil – from homes, restaurants and garages. The collected oils are then sent to specialised facilities for recycling and reuse.
“The device’s main motive is to address a pressing environmental issue,” said team leader Sayed Elia Hassan in a statement.
“The unsafe disposal of oils poses a significant threat, leading to soil and water pollution that negatively impacts animal and plant life.”
The smart machine is equipped with three sensors that automatically identify the type of oil and measure the quantity deposited in litres. Based on this data, the oil is directed to its designated container, with three separate tanks ensuring safe and organised storage.
According to the group, one of Tanka’s key advantages lies in its practicality for everyday use. Team member Salman Ali explained that the design has undergone continuous study and development to ensure it fits into people’s daily routines.
“The minimum disposal quantity is just 500 millilitres per transaction, allowing users to dispose of oil frequently and conveniently,” he said.
“This is a major advantage over many similar systems, which often require a minimum of 50 litres, forcing users to store used oil for long periods and contributing to further environmental risks.”
The system also incorporates digital features aimed at enhancing user experience. Users can create personal accounts via a built‑in interactive touch screen by simply entering their phone number. After each transaction, an invoice detailing the quantity of oil delivered is automatically sent to the user’s email.
By combining environmental awareness with smart engineering and user‑friendly technology, the student team hopes Tanka can play a meaningful role in reducing pollution and promoting sustainable disposal practices across the kingdom.
In 2024, the project won the Best Social Impact Award at the Injaz Bahrain Company Programme competition, standing out among 40 teams from public and private schools. Since then, the ingenious teenagers behind the initiative have continued to refine and develop the project, culminating in the unveiling of its final version at their school recently.
The GDN reported earlier that special dumpsters for cooking and fuel oils were proposed to be placed at sites across Bahrain, as improper disposal of oils, especially by businesses and restaurants, has become a significant environmental concern, with ‘fatbergs’ blocking the country’s sewage systems due to cooking oils being poured down the drain.
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