Best Used Cooking Oil Collection in Colorado Ranked

For restaurants and food service businesses in Colorado, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a regulated process that, when done correctly, can turn a waste product into a resource. The state has established clear guidelines under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to ensure this material is safely stored, transported, and recycled, primarily into products like biodiesel. Navigating these rules is essential for compliance and can also lead to potential revenue through rebate programs. This guide outlines the key steps, regulations, and best practices for effective UCO management in Colorado.

Aspen Oil Recycling

denver

Aspen Oil Recycling provides used cooking oil collection services in Denver, CO. They serve a variety of clients including restaurants, stadiums, food processors, and schools. The company is capable of handling large volumes of used cooking oil and offers specialized equipment such as heated containers to maintain oil liquidity during cold weather. Aspen Oil Recycling has been serving customers since at least 2018.

4.9

37 Reviews

City of Grand Junction Recycling Division

333 West Ave Bldg G, Grand Junction, CO 81501

City of Grand Junction Recycling Division provides used cooking oil collection services in Grand Junction, CO. They offer a convenient way for residents and businesses to recycle cooking oil responsibly.

4.6

63 Reviews

Denver Oil

5501 Fenton St, Arvada, CO 80002

Denver Oil is a used cooking oil collection company based in Denver, CO. The company specializes in collecting used cooking oil from various commercial sources to support recycling and proper disposal efforts. Denver Oil serves the local Denver area with a focus on environmentally responsible oil collection.

5.0

11 Reviews

AESTHETIC ALTERNATIVE RECYCLING, LLC

2450 S Syracuse Way, Denver, CO 80231

AESTHETIC ALTERNATIVE RECYCLING, LLC operates in Denver, CO, specializing in the collection of used cooking oil. The company focuses on environmentally responsible recycling services, helping businesses manage their cooking oil waste efficiently.

5.0

6 Reviews

Front Range Grease

5 E Bijou St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Front Range Grease is a local company based in Colorado Springs, CO, specializing in used cooking oil collection and grease trap cleaning. They serve restaurants in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Monument, and Pueblo, offering scheduled and emergency grease trap pumping services to help businesses stay compliant with utility requirements. Their used cooking oil and yellow grease are recycled through a Colorado-based processing facility, ensuring environmentally responsible disposal. Front Range Grease has been serving the local community for decades and provides emergency call-out services for urgent needs.

5.0

3 Reviews

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Understanding Colorado's Used Oil Regulations

In Colorado, used cooking oil is classified and managed as "used oil" under state hazardous waste regulations, even though it is often recycled ^{1 2}. This classification imposes specific responsibilities on generators, which include any restaurant, cafeteria, or commercial kitchen that produces UCO.

The primary regulatory goal is to prevent environmental contamination and ensure the oil enters a legitimate recycling stream. Key rules for generators include proper storage, using licensed transporters, and maintaining accurate records ^{3 2}. It's important to note that trap grease-the waste collected from grease interceptors-is governed by separate statutes (CRS 30-20-123) and should be managed distinctly from UCO ^{4 5}.

Generator Requirements and Registration

Most restaurants are considered "conditionally exempt small quantity generators" for used oil. However, if you accumulate more than 5,000 liters (approximately 1,320 gallons) of used oil on-site at any time, or if you operate a used oil collection center, you may need to obtain an EPA Identification Number and follow more stringent rules ^{1 6}. Checking with your collector or the CDPHE is the best way to confirm your specific registration requirements.

Best Practices for On-Site Storage

Proper storage is the first critical step in a compliant UCO program. It minimizes safety hazards, keeps your facility clean, and makes collection more efficient.

• Use Approved Containers: Store UCO in sturdy, leak-proof containers like UN-rated drums or dedicated totes. Avoid makeshift containers that can corrode or spill ^{7 8}.
• Clear Labeling: Clearly label all containers with phrases like "Used Cooking Oil" or "Waste Vegetable Oil." Containers used for accumulation should also be marked with the date you began filling them ^{1 8}.
• Designated Storage Area: Keep containers in a secure, designated area that is accessible for collection trucks. The area should be impervious to spills and located away from floor drains, storm sewers, and any sources of ignition ^{8 9}.
• Preparation for Pickup: Filtering out large food particles and consolidating oil from smaller fryers into larger collection drums (e.g., 55-gallon drums or 300-gallon totes) can improve oil quality and often makes your site more attractive to service providers ^{7 9}.

Working with Licensed Transporters and Recyclers

You cannot simply dispose of UCO with regular trash or wastewater. Colorado law requires that used oil be transported only by licensed haulers to permitted recycling or processing facilities ^{1 2}.

• Verify Licenses: A reputable used cooking oil collector will be registered with the state. It's a good practice to ask for proof of their transporter license and confirm they are delivering to a permitted recycling facility.
• Understand the Process: During transport, incidental processing like settling and water separation is allowed, but significant chemical processing should not occur until the oil reaches a licensed facility ².
• Scheduling: Coordinate pickups during your off-peak hours to avoid interfering with kitchen operations and customer service. Establishing a regular pickup schedule ensures you never over-accumulate oil ⁷.

The Economics of UCO Recycling: Costs and Rebates

The financial model for used cooking oil collection in Colorado is typically volume-dependent and can be surprisingly favorable for generators.

• Free Pickup for Smaller Volumes: Many collection companies offer free pickup services for restaurants generating smaller amounts (often under 100 gallons per month) as a way to secure the feedstock ¹⁰.
• Rebates for Larger Volumes: If your establishment produces significant volumes of clean, well-managed UCO (e.g., 100-500+ gallons per month), you may qualify for a rebate. Rebate rates can vary but have historically ranged from $0.10 to over $0.65 per gallon, depending on market conditions for feedstocks like biodiesel ¹⁰.
• The High Cost of Non-Compliance: Illegally dumping UCO down drains or into dumpsters carries severe risks. It can lead to sewer blockages, environmental damage, and significant fines from local utilities and the CDPHE. The cost of repairing damaged plumbing or paying penalties far outweighs any minor convenience ¹⁰. Professional recycling eliminates this legal and financial risk while contributing to a circular economy.

Step-by-Step Action Plan for Colorado Restaurants

1. Contact a Licensed Collector: Research and select a registered used oil recycling company that services your area (e.g., Denver Oil, Aurora Tallow) ^{7 11}. Discuss your volume, desired schedule, and any potential rebate program.
2. Implement Proper Storage: Set up your designated storage area with labeled, leak-proof containers. Train staff on proper UCO handling and disposal procedures.
3. Schedule Regular Pickups: Establish a pickup frequency that matches your oil production to prevent overflow. Ensure your storage area is always accessible.
4. Maintain Compliance Records: Keep simple records of your oil accumulation and pickup schedules. Your collector should provide documentation (manifests) for each pickup, which you should retain for your files to demonstrate compliant management ¹.

For the most detailed and official guidance, including specific forms, restaurants are encouraged to visit the CDPHE Used Oil Guidance page directly ¹.

Frequently asked questions

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