Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Little Rock, Arkansas Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Little Rock, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is far more than a simple cleanup task-it's a critical component of operational compliance, environmental responsibility, and potential revenue. Proper UCO handling is strictly regulated under local Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) ordinances designed to protect the city's sewer infrastructure. By partnering with a licensed hauler for professional collection and recycling, businesses can ensure they meet these legal requirements while contributing to the circular economy, as used oil is transformed into valuable biofuels and animal feed. This guide outlines the essential steps for compliant storage, the benefits of professional grease pickup services, and how to maximize the value of your used oil in Little Rock.

Ace Grease Service

Transfer Station, 232 Glenview Ln Little Rock, 232 Glenview Ln, North Little Rock, AR 72117

Ace Grease Service is a family-owned company based in Little Rock, AR, specializing in used cooking oil collection and grease trap cleaning. With over 31 years of experience, they serve restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and food manufacturing plants across nine states in the Midwest. The company collects and recycles used cooking oil into products like plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel. Ace Grease Service operates a fleet of modern trucks and equipment to provide these services efficiently.

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Understanding Little Rock's FOG Ordinance

The City of Little Rock enforces specific regulations, notably Ordinance No. 21, to prevent FOG from entering the public sewer system ¹. For restaurant operators, this means disposing of used fryer oil or grease trap waste down a drain is illegal and can result in significant fines ^{2 3}. The ordinance mandates that all grease-handling establishments must use licensed haulers for the removal of used cooking oil and grease interceptor waste ^{1 4}. Furthermore, businesses are required to maintain records of all grease collection and grease trap cleaning services for a minimum of three years ⁴. Adherence to these rules is not optional; it's a fundamental part of operating a food service business within the city limits.

The Step-by-Step Process for Proper Oil Management

A systematic approach to grease handling simplifies compliance and improves the quality of your recyclable oil.

1. Cooling and Initial Filtering After cooking, allow the oil to cool completely. Once safe to handle, strain it to remove large food particles. This initial step prevents burns and improves the purity of the stored oil, which can impact its value ⁵.

2. Secure Storage in Designated Containers Transfer the cooled, filtered oil into a dedicated, lockable storage container provided by your hauler. These containers are typically designed to be leak-proof and are clearly marked for used cooking oil. Proper storage is crucial: containers should be kept covered and in a designated area, often outdoors for easy access by collection trucks, to prevent contamination and theft ^{2 6 7}.

3. Scheduled Professional Pickup A licensed collection service, such as Grand Natural Inc. or similar providers in Little Rock, will establish a regular pickup schedule based on your volume ^{2 6}. You do not need to call for each pickup; the service operates on a recurring basis. The hauler will pump the oil from your container into their truck for transport.

4. Recycling and Repurposing The collected oil is taken to a processing facility where it is cleaned and converted into new products. The primary end product is biodiesel, a renewable fuel ^{8 9}. It can also be used in the production of animal feed, cosmetics, and industrial lubricants, ensuring the material is kept out of landfills and given a second life ^{10 9}.

Choosing the Right Collection Service in Little Rock

Selecting a reliable hauler is your most important decision. Look for a provider that is fully licensed to operate in Little Rock and can provide proof of compliance with the local FOG program ^{2 1}. Experience and local reputation matter; a established company will understand the specific requirements of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority (LRWRA) ³. Evaluate the service agreement details: are containers provided and maintained at no extra cost? Is the schedule reliable? Finally, transparent communication about oil quality standards and compensation is key to a good partnership ^{8 11}.

Storage Best Practices to Maximize Value and Compliance

How you store oil directly affects its recyclable quality and your bottom line. High-quality, uncontaminated oil is more valuable to recyclers.

• Use Lockable, Dedicated Containers: Always store oil in the secure containers supplied by your hauler. This prevents unauthorized dumping, theft, and contamination from rainwater or debris ^{6 7}.
• Keep Lids Securely Closed: A tightly sealed lid is your first defense against water and solid contaminants, which severely degrade oil quality ⁵.
• Designate a Clear Access Area: Place containers on a level, paved surface near your establishment's service entrance. Ensure the path is always clear for the collection truck to access and service the container safely and efficiently.
• Never Mix with Other Waste: Used cooking oil containers should only hold cooking oil. Introducing grease trap waste, water, solvents, or other liquids contaminates the entire batch, turning a potential revenue stream into a disposal cost ^{11 10}.

Potential Costs and Revenue from Used Oil

The financial model for used cooking oil collection varies significantly based on your monthly volume and the quality of the oil you provide.

• Low Volume (Under 100 gallons/month): Many services offer free pickup for smaller generators, as the cost of collection is offset by the value of the recycled material. You typically will not receive a rebate at this volume level ^{11 12}.
• Medium Volume (100-300 gallons/month): You may begin to see a shift in pricing. Some services might charge a nominal fee per gallon for collection (e.g., $0.10-$0.25), while others may continue free service, especially if the oil is high quality ^{11 12}.
• High Volume (Over 300 gallons/month): At this level, your used oil becomes a more significant commodity. Collection is almost always free, and you can often earn a rebate or payment from the hauler. Rebate rates can range from $0.25 to over $0.65 per gallon, depending on market prices for renewable fuels and the purity of your oil ^{11 10 12}. This can turn a waste product into a source of revenue that offsets other operational costs.

Key Takeaway: The cleaner your oil and the higher your volume, the better your financial arrangement will be. Partnering with a reputable hauler who provides clear guidelines on oil quality is essential for maximizing potential income ^{8 10}.

The Critical Link: Grease Traps and Oil Collection

While used cooking oil collection handles the liquid oil from fryers, grease trap or grease interceptor cleaning is a separate but equally vital service. Traps are designed to capture FOG from dishwater and drains before it enters the sewer. Little Rock ordinance requires these traps to be cleaned by a licensed professional when the FOG accumulation reaches 25% of the depth of the unit, and records must be kept ⁴. It is imperative not to pour grease trap waste into your used cooking oil container, as this will contaminate the oil. Managing both services-often from the same provider-ensures full compliance with local FOG regulations ^{2 3 4}.

Environmental and Community Benefits

Professional used cooking oil recycling offers substantial benefits beyond your kitchen. By diverting this material from sewers and landfills, you help prevent costly and unpleasant sanitary sewer overflows in the Little Rock community ³. The conversion to biodiesel reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions ^{8 9}. Furthermore, supporting the local recycling economy creates jobs and promotes sustainable industry practices within Arkansas.

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