What do you do with your batch of cooking oil that has undergone its last fry?
For most establishments, this oil is poured down the drain. This gives it access to your drainage system where is causes blockage and also gains access to landfills.
It is possible to put this old used oil into use again through recycling programs.
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Why should you recycle?
For many years, used cooking oil has been recycled into cosmetics and animal feeds. Today, new initiatives in recycling ensure that old cooking oil can be recycled to offer a greener alternative to fossil fuel. Today, you can find used cooking oil recycling companies that refine this waste oil into renewable forms of energy, including diesel fuel. This biodiesel is a green alternative to regular fossil diesel.
Apart from helping to save the environment, recycling your old cooking oil can be worth money to your business. Today, recycling companies will pay their clients for their used oil. A simple query to a recycling company will give you all the information you need regarding how much your used oil is worth.
Setting up your recycling program
To be able to make the most from your used cooking oil recycling deal, there are several considerations you need to make.
The amount of cooking oil produced
You need to determine how much cooking oil you used in a day, week or month. You also need to take into account how many locations you have that will require recycling services. You also need to set up a collection base for your used oil. This ensures that the oil is delivered from the different establishments you have promptly before collection day.
The size of your oil containers
Your vendor can offer containers for your oil based on your quantities and needs. To determine the right size for your business, you need to consider the size of the space you are willing to dedicate to used oil collection. If you are limited on space, you can have the vendor come more frequently to collect the used oil. However, remember that the frequency of collection affects the cost you get from the service provider.
Frequency of collection
It is important to have a clear understanding of how often the company should come to collect your used oil. The size of your collection container affects the frequency of the collections. It is recommended that you have your used oil collected at least once a month to discourage theft or overflow. However, a better agreement can be arranged based on your needs.
The temperatures in your area
The oil needs to be in liquid form when it is collected for recycling. Therefore, it is important to understand the effect of environmental temperatures on your used oil reserve. This is especially important during winter. You can get a container with in-built heating systems that keep the oil from solidifying during cold seasons.
How clean your oil is
To ensure you get more from your oil, you can consider filtering it before you pour it into the reserve containers. Vendors pay less if they have to collect very dirty oil. This is because it takes more of their time cleaning it before they can recycle it.
Ensure that your oil is not contaminated with other grease sources. Do not put the grease trap with your cooking oil. It contaminates your whole collection.
Anti-spill measures
You need to ensure that you put in place measures that prevent spillage. You can work with the vendor to ensure that the area around the collection container is clean. Consider getting leak-proof lids for your container. Alternatively, you can ensure that the disposal is done carefully to avoid spills.
Other available services
To lower the cost of your oil recycling deal, you can consider asking for extra services from the vendor. Some vendors offer additional services such as maintenance and cleaning of exhaust hoods, kitchen equipment, drainage systems, and grease traps.
Conclusion
Used cooking oil recycling helps to protect the environment and it also makes you money. Get in touch with a vendor today to enjoy the benefits associated with recycling cooking oil.