FAQs About Recycling Cooking Oil

What can you make with recycled cooking oil? Most of us don’t think much about what happens to our cooking oil after we dispose of it, but the oil recycling process comes with a number of different possibilities.

Here’s what happens to cooking oil after it’s recycled and how to select a good service provider.

Why recycle your used cooking oil?

Cooking oil adds up quickly, as anyone who has worked in a commercial kitchen can tell you. Unfortunately, if you pour it down the drain, you run the risk of clogging the drains and damaging the wastewater treatment systems in your area. There’s a high demand for used cooking oil, since it can be used to create sustainable fuel. It will also prevent you from accruing big fines if your municipality finds out you’re pouring it down the sink.

What happens to oil once it’s picked up?

The oil is taken to a processing facility, where it’s strained and recycled for another use.

How is the oil recycled?

First, the oil is strained to remove debris and contaminants. Then it’s heated to remove any water and kill off any pathogens.

What can recycled cooking oil be used for?

For the most part, used cooking oil is used to make sustainable fuel. Biofuels like cooking oil burn cleanly, leaving a much cleaner planet in its wake.

Can I throw cooking oil in the trash?

You can, but it’s not a good idea for the environment. Used cooking oil doesn’t belong in a landfill. Moreover, it can contaminate the groundwater supply and attract rodents. If you use a large volume of cooking oil, it’s much better to have a cooking oil recycling service come remove the oil for you.

How much cooking oil is used every year?

In North America, it’s estimated that we recycle about 4.4 billion pounds of oil each year. Just imagine if everyone recycled their used cooking oil!

How do I find the right service provider?

First, ask other restaurants who they use for cooking oil collection and recycling. Word of mouth is usually quite effective, and you’ll be able to ask them any questions about the oil recycling process and possibilities. If you don’t know anyone who can answer your questions, use Google and online reviews to find some potential companies. You can further narrow them down by location, training, years in business, approach to customer service and whether they’re familiar with your municipality’s local grease trap regulations. From there, pick a company that can meet your timing and budgetary needs.

Recycling your used cooking oil is a great way to support the environment and abide by all local, state and federal regulations. If you’re looking for a way to sustainably dispose of your used cooking oil, let the team at Safeway Used Oil & Grease help. We’ll walk you through the oil recycling process and possibilities, so you can rest assured your disposable grease goes on to become clean-burning biofuel. Call us today to get started.

Categorised in: Cooking Oil Recycling