Best Used Cooking Oil Collection in Georgia Ranked

For Georgia restaurants, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a critical operational and environmental responsibility. Proper collection and recycling are not just best practices; they are mandated by state and local regulations designed to protect sewer systems and waterways. A professional used cooking oil collection service ensures compliance, simplifies waste management, and can turn a waste product into a resource for biodiesel production. This guide outlines the essential rules, processes, and benefits of establishing a reliable UCO collection program in the Peach State.

S&S Septic Services

5708 Toombs St, Lula, GA 30554

S&S Septic Services is based in Gainesville, GA, providing septic pumping, repair, installation, and maintenance services across northeast Georgia and Upstate South Carolina. They serve residential, commercial, and government clients with a full range of septic solutions, including drain field design, grease trap cleaning, and used cooking oil collection. The company offers specialized capabilities such as field line jetting to clear underground drainage systems and advanced camera inspections for industrial and municipal systems. With over 20 years of experience, S&S Septic Services operates 24/7 to address emergency needs promptly.

5.0

971 Reviews

AGA Hood Cleaning

south fulton

AGA Hood Cleaning provides comprehensive kitchen exhaust, grease trap, and used cooking oil collection services in South Fulton, GA. They serve commercial kitchens including restaurants, schools, hospitals, and government facilities, ensuring compliance with city codes and NFPA standards. Their services include grease filter exchange, kitchen equipment cleaning, kitchen exhaust cleaning, grease trap cleaning, and used cooking oil recycling. AGA Hood Cleaning offers thorough inspections and preventative maintenance to help extend equipment life and maintain kitchen safety. Their licensed and certified team is trained to handle all aspects of kitchen exhaust system cleaning and maintenance.

5.0

40 Reviews

ACC CHaRM - Center for Hard to Recycle Materials

1005 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601

ACC CHaRM - Center for Hard to Recycle Materials is located in Athens, GA, and specializes in collecting used cooking oil along with a wide range of hard-to-recycle items. The center accepts various materials such as appliances, automotive fluids, batteries, electronics, textiles, and more, providing a convenient drop-off point for residents. One notable capability is their acceptance of used cooking grease and oil at no charge. They also offer 24/7 residential food scraps drop-off outside the fence on Cleveland Ave.

4.8

81 Reviews

Premier Grease

atlanta

Premier Grease is a company based in Atlanta, GA, offering comprehensive grease management services including kitchen exhaust system cleaning, grease trap cleaning, used cooking oil collection, and a filter exchange program. Their services help maintain compliance with safety standards such as NFPA 96 and support environmental efforts by recycling cooking oil into biodiesel. Premier Grease also provides roof cleaning to prevent damage from grease buildup and vent cleaning to reduce fire risks. The company emphasizes local ownership, digital service documentation, and GPS tracking for accountability.

4.6

134 Reviews

Green Energy Biofuel

2110 Main St, Warrenville, SC 29851

Green Energy Biofuel is a zero waste solutions company based in Augusta, GA, with a central production plant in Warrenville, South Carolina. They provide used cooking oil collection, grease trap cleaning, food waste collection, and industrial cleaning services across South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, and Kentucky. Their Warrenville facility features rail service capabilities and offers a unique commercial depackaging service to support sustainability efforts. Established 15 years ago, Green Energy Biofuel produces feedstock for renewable diesel, biodiesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, shipping products worldwide. The company emphasizes innovation and vertical integration in its operations.

4.6

19 Reviews

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Understanding Georgia's Regulatory Landscape

Georgia has clear state-level rules governing used oil, which includes used cooking oil from food service establishments. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) enforces regulations that prohibit the disposal of UCO into drains, sewers, or trash bins ¹. These rules fall under the broader Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) management program, aimed at preventing sewer blockages and overflows ¹.

Key state requirements include:

• No Drain Disposal: It is illegal to pour used cooking oil down any drain ².
• Proper Storage: Oil must be stored in dedicated, structurally sound containers that are clearly labeled "Used Oil" ³. Outdoor containers must be kept closed to prevent rainwater contamination ⁴.
• Documentation: Businesses must maintain accurate records of oil collection, including dates, volumes collected, and the name of the permitted hauler ². These records may be requested during inspections.
• Transporter Permits: Companies that collect and transport used oil must hold a valid statewide permit from the GA EPD ³.

Local County and City Ordinances

In addition to state rules, many Georgia counties and municipalities have their own, often more stringent, FOG ordinances. These local rules can dictate specific grease trap cleaning frequencies, set limits on FOG discharge, and outline inspection protocols ⁵. For instance:

• Cobb County has specific guidelines for food establishments regarding grease control and waste management ⁶.
• Clayton County and DeKalb County also enforce local FOG ordinances that restaurants must follow ^{5 7}. It is crucial to verify the specific requirements for your business location, as non-compliance can result in significant fines.

The Step-by-Step Process for Professional Collection

Implementing a professional used cooking oil collection service is a straightforward process designed for convenience and compliance.

1. Initial Assessment: A reputable provider will evaluate your restaurant's cooking oil usage, volume output, and available storage space ⁴.
2. Equipment Provision: The collector typically supplies the necessary storage containers-such as drums or collection bins-at no upfront cost ⁸. This ensures you have the proper, labeled equipment from the start.
3. Scheduled Service: Based on your assessment, a customized pickup schedule is established. This could be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis (e.g., when the container is 25% full) to prevent overflows ^{4 9}.
4. Collection & Transportation: A permitted hauler will visit your site on the scheduled day, safely pump out the used oil, clean up any minor spills, and provide documentation of the collection ^{1 6}.
5. Recycling & Documentation: The oil is transported to a processing facility to be converted into biodiesel or other products. You receive a record of the transaction, which serves as proof of compliant recycling for your files ².

Cost Structure and Potential Value

The cost of used cooking oil collection in Georgia is not one-size-fits-all and is often structured to benefit higher-volume producers.

• Free Collection Services: It is common for restaurants generating significant volumes (often 100 gallons or more per month) to receive free pickup services ^{8 10}. The value of the oil as a feedstock for biodiesel can offset the collection cost for the provider.
• Rebate Programs: Some high-volume establishments may even qualify for a rebate or revenue-sharing program, where they earn a small amount back based on the market value of the oil ⁴.
• Service Fees: For smaller restaurants or those with lower oil output, providers may charge a modest monthly service fee. Often, this service is bundled with grease trap cleaning for a comprehensive waste management solution ^{9 7}.
• Indirect Savings: The most significant financial benefit often comes from avoiding costly plumbing emergencies, sewer backups, and regulatory fines associated with improper disposal ¹⁰. Professional collection is an investment in preventative maintenance.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

Partnering with a professional UCO collector extends beyond mere compliance. It aligns your business with sustainable practices and offers tangible operational advantages.

• Supports the Circular Economy: Recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel creates a renewable fuel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering the overall carbon footprint ^{11 7}.
• Prevents Plumbing Issues: By ensuring oil never enters your drains, you protect your own plumbing from costly clogs and backups, saving on maintenance expenses ¹⁰.
• Enhances Safety and Cleanliness: Proper, sealed storage containers reduce spills, odors, and pests (like rodents and insects) in your kitchen and dumpster areas ⁴.
• Simplifies Operations: Outsourcing this complex waste stream to experts frees up your staff's time and ensures the handling, paperwork, and regulatory aspects are managed correctly ⁹.

Choosing a Service Provider in Georgia

When selecting a used cooking oil collection partner in Georgia, consider the following:

• State Permits: Verify the company holds a valid GA EPD transporter permit ³.
• Local Experience: Choose a provider familiar with the specific FOG ordinances in your county or city (e.g., Atlanta, Cobb, DeKalb, Clayton) ^{5 10 7}.
• Service Reliability: Look for a company known for consistent, on-time pickups and clean service.
• Sustainability Commitment: Inquire about the final destination of the oil. Reputable providers will have it processed into biodiesel or another recycled product ¹¹.
• Transparent Agreements: Understand the fee structure, contract terms, and what documentation they will provide after each collection.

Establishing a professional used cooking oil collection system is a smart business decision for any Georgia restaurant. It ensures regulatory compliance, promotes environmental stewardship, and contributes to a cleaner, more efficient operation.

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