How to Choose the Right Used Cooking Oil Recycling Partner for Your Restaurant

As a restaurant owner, you know that used cooking oil is a major headache for your kitchen staff. But what you do with that oil after it’s been used can have a big impact on both the environment and your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to partner with a reliable and responsible used cooking oil recycling company.

Here are some key questions to ask when evaluating potential partners to recycle your used cooking oil:

• What services do you offer? Beyond basic collection, do they provide containers, assist with handling, and offer services like grease trap cleaning? Can they help automate the storage and processing of our used cooking oil? A one-stop shop can simplify things considerably.
• What is your collection schedule? How often will they collect your used cooking oil? Do they offer flexible scheduling to meet your needs and prevent overflowing containers? Are they available 24/7 for emergency situations?
• What are your fees? Are there any fees or charges? Do they offer competitive pricing and transparent billing practices? Often companies will pay for your used oil if market conditions warrant. 
• What is your environmental record? How does the company ensure the environmentally sound handling and processing of used cooking oil? Do they have certifications or adhere to specific industry standards? Are they fully licensed by the state of California for the transport of used cooking oil? 
• What is your experience and reputation? How long have they been in business? Do they have positive testimonials from other restaurants? Check their Google customer reviews. Are there positive reviews? What are the concerns in a negative review?
• What liability insurance do you have? $1MM per incident is a minimum. Ask for a copy. Have they ever had a claim?
• Check out their website? Is it professional and complete? Or is it thrown together and dependent on facebook and social media? Send them a message and see how long they take to respond.
• Can I reach the CEO? In an emergency do you want to reach a phone bank and wait for a chain of command to find the right person  or do you want to speak to the CEO on his cellphone? 

Choosing the right used cooking oil recycling partner can provide important benefits for your restaurant:

• Reduced environmental impact: Recycling used cooking oil helps to protect our waterways and landfills. Used cooking oil reaching our waterways kills fish and wildlife, contaminates and suffocates plant life and destroys freshwater habitats.
• Improved kitchen safety: Proper collection and storage of used oil reduces the risk of slips, falls, and fires, which means less workman’s comp expense and possibly lower insurance premiums.
• Potential cost savings: Some companies may pay you for your used oil, providing an extra revenue stream. Rebates are great but be sure their service is reliable first.
• Enhanced reputation: Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability can attract environmentally conscious customers. More and more, customers want to know they are spending their dollars with suppliers who care about the environment and that their business practices reflect that care.

Pro Tip: If you already have a company that cleans your grease traps, they may also offer used cooking oil collection services. This can streamline your operations and simplify your vendor management!

By taking the time to research and compare different used cooking oil recycling companies, you can find the perfect partner to meet your restaurant’s needs and contribute to a healthier planet and a healthier, happier kitchen staff.