The History of Recycling Cooking Oil

February 8, 2021

Recycling may seem like a new trend for your commercial kitchen, but the history of this process traces its roots farther back than you may think. To take a look at the history of cooking oil in New Orleans, LA, we have to step back into the 1800s. Here’s a quick look at this interesting kitchen oil history.

From the grill to the engine

The name Diesel probably sounds familiar. Rudolf Diesel is the namesake of the diesel engine. This creative inventor first considered cooking oil as a fuel source in 1898. He started experimenting with peanut oil and patented an oil-based engine. Other innovations soon came on the scene that overshadowed Diesel’s efforts, but the idea of using cooking oil in New Orleans, LA as fuel remained in the background.

Searching for greener solutions

The events of World War II greatly increased the demand for fuel. This pushed scientists to once again look to cooking oil as a potential source. The oil crisis of the 1970s further increased the interest in alternatives to petroleum. As environmental concerns grew, this interest in greener sources of energy continued to grow as well.

The emergence of biodiesel

In 2007, the United States government created mandates to reduce the nation’s reliance on traditional fuel. As a result, biodiesel became a popular green choice. Producers of biodiesel began searching for sources to help produce renewable fuel. They turned to cooking oil in New Orleans, LA. This generated the development of cooking oil recycling companies like Safeway Used Oil and Grease. As federal mandates continue to rise, cooking oil has become a hot commodity.

Your part in the history of cooking oil

The history of kitchen oil in New Orleans, LA is still being written today, and your commercial kitchen can play a part in this story. Recycling kitchen oil has become a regular part of commercial operations. What system are you using to recycle your grease? Perhaps your leftover cooking oil could one day fuel the next space expedition, or it might simply help provide power for your city.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this history. Your role today is to recycle your cooking oil. This will help protect the environment, allow you to comply to safety regulations and add to the green solutions for fuel in our society. Contact your local collector of kitchen oil in New Orleans, LA to get started.

We’re making history

Since 1998, Safeway Used Oil and Grease has been the go-to source for commercial kitchens in New Orleans, LA that are looking to make responsible use of their used kitchen oil. We specialize in used oil collection and grease trap cleaning. Our team offers the expertise our customers need for commercial used oil collection, grease trap cleaning and inspections and emergency grease trap cleaning and oil removal. We can help you keep your setting clean, safe and environmentally friendly. Visit or reach out to us today at 504-650-3195 to start the process of making history with us.

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