Used cooking oil recycling is one of the easiest ways for businesses to reduce waste, prevent plumbing problems, and support renewable energy production. And yet, misconceptions about cooking oil recycling are everywhere.
At Allied Renewal, we work with restaurants, commercial kitchens, and industrial food operations to collect and recycle used cooking oil safely and responsibly. In the mythbusting guide below, we’ll unpack the most common misunderstandings and share the truth about what actually happens when you recycle cooking oil.
Myth #1: “Used cooking oil isn’t recyclable.”
Truth: Used cooking oil is highly recyclable, and is actually one of the most reused waste streams in food service. Used cooking oil (UCO) can be collected and processed for multiple uses. Recyclable oils include:
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil
- Peanut oil
- Vegetable oil blends
- Shortening
If you’re unsure about your oil recycling capabilities, Allied Renewal can help assess your needs and set up the right collection system.
Myth #2: “It’s easier to just dump it down the drain.”
Truth: Dumping oil down a drain is one of the fastest ways to create expensive problems. Even small amounts of oil can coat pipes over time. Once fats, oils, and grease (FOG) cool, they solidify and build up inside plumbing systems, causing slow drainage, backups, and odors.
Myth #3: “Used oil recycling is only for restaurants.”
Truth: Used cooking oil recycling is common across many industries and facilities, including:
- Restaurants
- Cafeterias
- Food manufacturers
- Bakeries
- Hotels and resorts
- Universities and school districts
- Hospitals
- Event venues
- Commercial kitchens
Myth #4: “All recycled cooking oil becomes biodiesel.”
Truth: While biodiesel fuel is a common end use, it’s not the only one. Used cooking oil can be refined for multiple purposes, including industrial lubricants, animal feed applications, soaps, and other industrial products.
Myth #5: “It’s dangerous or complicated to store used cooking oil.”
Truth: With the right container, storage is simple and safe. The biggest safety issues come from incorrect storage. Using open buckets, poorly sealed containers, or placing oil near waste dumpsters leads to pests and spills.
Myth #6: “I can recycle oil in any container.”
Truth: Not all containers are safe, or even compliant. Some containers are prone to leaks, rust, tipping, and poor sealing or contamination. Professional-grade containment keeps your oil secure and ensures proper pickup. If you’re running a commercial kitchen, having the right setup matters not only for safety but also for efficiency and cleanliness.
Myth #7: “Cooking oil recycling is a hassle.”
Truth: One of the biggest surprises for new customers of Allied Renewal is how simple their oil collection and disposal process becomes. Our service includes proper containers and placement, along with scheduled pickups based on your usage and needs, resulting in a far easier, safer, and cleaner experience.
Partner With Allied Renewal for Reliable Cooking Oil Recycling
The bottom line is, cooking oil recycling shouldn’t be confusing or time-consuming. With so many misconceptions out there, Allied Renewal is here to set the record straight and help businesses set up safe, clean, and efficient systems and schedules that work with your kitchen and operations.
Ready to learn more? Contact Allied Renewal to ask about collection, pickup schedules, and more!
