Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Peachtree Corners, Georgia Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Peachtree Corners, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a critical operational and environmental responsibility. Proper disposal and recycling of this commodity are not just about cleanliness; they are governed by specific Gwinnett County regulations designed to protect the local sewer infrastructure from costly blockages and "fatbergs." By partnering with a licensed hauler for professional used cooking oil collection, businesses can ensure compliance, enhance kitchen safety, and even generate a small revenue stream through rebate programs, all while contributing to the production of renewable biofuels. This guide outlines the essential steps, rules, and benefits of establishing a reliable UCO management system in your Peachtree Corners kitchen.

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

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

Grease Connections

5255 Fulton Industrial Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30336

Grease Connections is a used cooking oil collection company serving Atlanta, GA, as well as Florida and New Jersey. They collect used cooking oil from restaurants and industrial facilities, then filter and refine it for use in biodiesel and renewable aviation fuel production. The company operates with licensed drivers who ensure safe, spill-free pickups and provide detailed EPA-compliant manifests for each collection. Grease Connections supports sustainability by helping clients reduce emissions and avoid fines related to improper oil disposal. Their service includes options for real-time tracking with RFID-enabled containers and automated payments. The company emphasizes compliance with regional regulations and offers transparent documentation to assist with audits and inspections.

5.0

4 Reviews

GreaseBandit

3873 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342

GreaseBandit is a used cooking oil collection company based in Atlanta, GA. The company specializes in collecting used cooking oil from commercial kitchens and food service establishments in the Atlanta area. GreaseBandit focuses on environmentally responsible disposal and recycling of cooking oil to support sustainability efforts.

5.0

3 Reviews

Southern Green Industries

4565 Frederick Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30336

Southern Green Industries is an Atlanta-based company providing grease trap cleaning and used cooking oil recycling services throughout Atlanta, GA, and the state of Georgia. They serve a wide range of clients including restaurants, franchises, sports facilities, universities, and industrial clients. The company operates its own environmentally responsible oil recycling facility and wastewater processing plant, allowing them to manage the entire grease trap and fryer oil recycling process in-house. Established in 2007, Southern Green Industries offers flexible service options including no-contract guarantees and automatic recurring service, and they handle all regulatory paperwork on behalf of their clients.

3.3

7 Reviews

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Understanding Local Regulations for Grease and Oil

In Gwinnett County, which includes Peachtree Corners, rules for handling fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are strictly enforced to prevent sewer overflows and environmental damage. ¹ Compliance is not optional, and it begins with understanding that used cooking oil is considered a specific type of grease waste. The county mandates that all such waste be collected by a licensed hauler for proper recycling or disposal, prohibiting any discharge into drains or dumpsters. ^{2 3} Regular inspections can occur, and non-compliance can result in significant fines. The core principle is containment: keeping all grease and oil out of the wastewater system through proper on-site management and professional pickup services.

Best Practices for On-Site Oil Storage

Before collection even occurs, how you store used fryer oil on your property is paramount for safety and passing inspections. Adhering to these best practices minimizes risks and ensures a smooth partnership with your collection service.

Container Specifications: Always use dedicated, leak-proof containers. Approved options include sturdy steel drums, specialized collection caddies, or outdoor storage tanks with self-closing lids. ^{4 3} Plastic bins or open barrels are typically not acceptable and will likely fail an inspection. Containers must be clearly labeled with wording such as "USED COOKING OIL-FOOD GRADE" to prevent misuse. ³

Placement and Secondary Containment: Storage location is critical. Containers should be placed on a stable, non-permeable surface like concrete, at least five feet away from any storm drain. ³ Furthermore, secondary containment is a key requirement. This means having a spill containment basin (like a dike or berm) that can hold 110% of the volume of your largest storage container, providing a crucial backup in case of a leak or overflow. ^{3 5}

Staff Training and Spill Response: Proper handling procedures are essential. Staff should be trained to use thermal gloves when handling hot oil and to pour oil carefully to avoid splashing. ⁴ A spill kit with absorbent pads should be readily available. Any spills must be wiped up immediately-never rinsed down a floor drain with a hose. ³ This "no hose-down" rule is a fundamental part of preventing grease from entering the sewer system.

The Professional Collection and Recycling Process

Engaging a professional used cooking oil collection service transforms a waste product into a valuable resource. The process is typically streamlined and designed for minimal disruption to your kitchen operations.

1. Initial Assessment: A service provider will evaluate your kitchen's specific needs, including your average weekly oil volume, kitchen layout, and optimal pickup schedule. ^{2 4}
2. Equipment Provision: Reputable providers usually supply the necessary collection containers, caddies, or storage tanks at no upfront cost as part of their service. ^{2 6} They will install and position this equipment according to regulatory guidelines.
3. Scheduled Pickups: Based on your usage, a regular collection schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) is established. ⁷ The hauler arrives on time to pump or swap out your full containers.
4. On-Site Measurement and Quality Check: During pickup, the volume of oil collected is measured. The quality may also be assessed, as clean, uncontaminated oil has higher value for recycling. ^{2 6}
5. Detailed Reporting: You should receive a service ticket or digital report detailing the date, amount collected, and other relevant data. This documentation is vital for your own records and for demonstrating compliance. ^{2 7}
6. Transformation into Biofuel: The collected oil is transported to a processing facility where it is cleaned and converted into biodiesel, a cleaner-burning renewable fuel that powers vehicles and reduces carbon emissions. ^{7 8}

The Financial Perspective: Costs and Rebates

A common misconception is that used cooking oil collection is a pure expense. In reality, with the right provider, it can be a neutral or even profitable part of your waste management.

Understanding Rebates: Because used cooking oil is a feedstock for biodiesel, many collection companies pay restaurants a rebate for their oil. Rates fluctuate with commodity markets but often range from $0.25 to $0.50 per gallon. ^{2 4 6} The exact rate depends on the volume you generate and the quality (purity) of the oil. This rebate turns a waste product into a minor revenue stream.

Service Costs: Many providers operate on a model where they offer free equipment, free scheduled pickups, and free cleaning of the collection area. ^{6 8} Their revenue is generated from selling the oil to biodiesel refiners, which funds the rebate they share with you. It's important to clarify the complete fee structure with any potential provider, but the goal is a service that costs you little to nothing out-of-pocket.

Integrating Grease Trap Maintenance

While used cooking oil collection handles the bulk liquid waste, your kitchen's grease trap or grease interceptor is the first line of defense for capturing FOG from dishwater and drain lines. These two systems are complementary and both are legally required. ¹ Your grease trap should be pumped by a licensed service when it is more than 25% full of solids and FOG, or at a minimum of every 90 days, to prevent blockages. ⁵ Some full-service providers offer combined packages for both used cooking oil collection and grease trap maintenance, simplifying compliance and logistics with a single point of contact. ^{2 7}

Local Service Options for Peachtree Corners Businesses

Several providers service the Gwinnett County and greater Atlanta area, including Peachtree Corners. When selecting a partner, look for proper licensing, insurance, transparency in reporting, and clear communication.

• Liquid Recovery Solutions: Offers comprehensive used cooking oil pickup and grease trap services in Gwinnett County, emphasizing detailed service reporting and regulatory compliance support. ^{2 7}
• Grease Connections: Provides used oil collection and recycling services along with regulatory guidance for the Atlanta metro area, including educational resources for restaurants. ^{4 3}
• For Smaller Volumes: If your establishment generates a very small amount of oil (e.g., a low-volume caterer), you may not qualify for regular pickup. In such cases, the CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) facility accepts used cooking oil by appointment for free drop-off. ⁹ This is a practical, compliant alternative to improper disposal.

Frequently asked questions

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