How to Dispose of Waste Cooking Oil

Waste Cooking Oil Disposal

Waste cooking oil is the end-product of frying foods using cooking oil that contains plant or animal fats that have been processed. Recycled oils and fats have many uses. Some are converted into biodiesel fuel and mixed with regular diesel produces a greener fuel. A significant benefit is that biofuels derived from recycled cooking oil typically burn clean.

Legal requirements for cooking oil waste

According to The Food Standards Agency, waste cooking oil must be stored correctly to avoid spillages. It must be collected and disposed of by an authorised collector. It is illegal to pour oils and fats down the drain.

Yes, if you are a commercial business, you can face large fines and other financial penalties for careless disposal of oils and fats.

Most businesses are aware of the environmental problems and keen to reduce their carbon footprint. They also need to be efficient and comply with the regulations. Failure to dispose of oils and fats correctly can lead to heavy fines. You have a duty of care and commercial premises must keep a log of how they disposed of fats and oils for two years – and the local enforcement officer may ask to see it.

View the legal requirements for cooking oil disposal here

You are legally obliged to keep and produce proof of disposal paperwork for a period of two years should your local enforcement officer request to see it.

Liquid wastes have been prohibited from landfill sites since October 2007, other wastes need treating first. The cost if using landfill is increasing, so it makes economic sense to ensure that oils and fats are treated and disposed of in the right way. This includes the correct storage in the correct tanks.

 What are the benefits of recycling oils and fat waste for business?

There are advantages of recycling oils and fat waste for businesses and food preparation companies including;

• Avoiding heavy fines
• Reducing CO2 emissions
• Environmental issues
• Saving costs

How to dispose of fats and oils in a safe way

But how do you dispose of fats safely? Here are some tips:

• Do not pour oils down a sink
• Collect oils, fat, and grease in containers – wait for it to cool!
• Wipe pans and cooking tins with paper to remove excess fats and oils before washing, even newspaper will do.
• Staff should be trained and taught why it is so important
• Train and teach staff of the importance of correct disposal of oil waste
• Use an approved disposal method

 Enduramaxx waste cooking oil tanks

Safe storage of cooking oil needs tanks that are corrosion free and UV stabilised. Our waste cooking oil tanks are made from high-density food grade polypropylene and designed for liquids with a density of 1.5. They are durable and will give many years of service. Since they are bunded – i.e., have a double wall, any leaks or mishaps will be safely contained. We have a large range of suitable tanks from 2,500 litres to 30,000 litres capacity.

You can choose from various options:

• Liquid level sensor assemblies,
• tank fill pipes,
• fittings flanges including PN16 or BSP fittings to suit your project.
• Welded sockets for bund alarms

Talk to us about the safe storage of your waste oils and find out about cost savings associated with bulk buying food-grade cooking oil tanks. Phone us on 01778 302879.