Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Elmhurst, Illinois Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Elmhurst, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a critical operational and environmental responsibility. Proper grease collection and disposal are not just about cleanliness; they are mandated by local ordinances and state regulations designed to protect the city's sewer infrastructure. By partnering with a licensed hauler, your business can transform a waste product into a valuable resource, contributing to the production of renewable biofuels like biodiesel. This guide outlines the essential steps for compliant and cost-effective used cooking oil management in Elmhurst, from secure storage to final recycling.

Aurora Tallow, Inc.

440 Main St, Warrenville, IL 60555

Aurora Tallow, Inc. provides used cooking oil collection services in Chicago, IL. The company specializes in recycling restaurant grease and oil, helping businesses manage their waste responsibly. Aurora Tallow, Inc. serves clients in the local area with a focus on environmentally conscious disposal methods.

4.8

54 Reviews

A&P Grease Trappers, Inc

801 N Raddant Rd, Batavia, IL 60510

A&P Grease Trappers, Inc is a family-owned business serving Aurora, IL, and the Chicagoland area since 2006. They specialize in grease trap cleaning, fryer oil recycling and buy-back, drain and sewer cleaning, septic tank pumping, and RPZ testing. Their licensed professionals use modern equipment to maintain compliance and ensure efficient operations for restaurants, businesses, and municipalities. The company offers 24-hour emergency services with a commitment to respond within one hour for urgent needs.

4.6

108 Reviews

Excel Oil Service

4301 S Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60632

Excel Oil Service is a used cooking oil collection company based in Chicago, IL. The company specializes in collecting used cooking oil from various businesses in the area, helping to manage waste and support recycling efforts. Excel Oil Service focuses on efficient and responsible oil collection to serve the needs of local clients.

4.5

11 Reviews

Kaluzny Brothers Inc

1528 Mound Rd, Rockdale, IL 60436

Kaluzny Brothers Inc is a third-generation family-owned rendering company located in Joliet, IL. They specialize in the sustainable recycling of animal by-products, including oils, bones, and fats, to create essential ingredients used in everyday products. Their services focus on reducing food waste through complete rendering solutions. Kaluzny Brothers Inc has been serving clients for over 20 years and is known for thorough grease trap cleaning and used cooking oil collection.

3.8

8 Reviews

See more providers in Elmhurst, IL

Understanding Elmhurst's FOG Program

The City of Elmhurst enforces a specific Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) program for all food service establishments (FSEs) ¹. This program is designed to prevent sewer blockages and overflows, which can cause significant environmental damage and costly repairs. The rules are clear: pouring used fryer oil, animal fats, or greasy kitchen wastewater down any drain is strictly prohibited ^{2 1 3}. Compliance centers on two key components: the proper maintenance of grease control devices and the secure collection of waste oil for professional pickup.

Grease traps or interceptors, typically installed under sinks or in-ground, must be regularly maintained-often requiring daily skimming and routine pumping by a licensed service-to prevent FOG from entering the municipal sewer lines ^{1 3}. For the liquid used cooking oil from fryers, the city requires it to be stored on-site in dedicated, secure containers until collected by an authorized hauler ^{2 1}. Adhering to these guidelines helps your business avoid potential fines and supports the community's wastewater management system.

The Professional Collection and Recycling Process

Once your used vegetable oil or animal fat is ready for disposal, the process is handled by specialized professionals. Licensed rendering companies or grease collection services provide scheduled pickups using trucks equipped with pumps and tanks. In Elmhurst, providers such as Mahoney Environmental and Green Grease Environmental offer comprehensive services that include supplying storage equipment, regular collection, and ensuring the oil is transported for recycling ^{2 4}.

These haulers must hold the proper Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permits to transport used oil, ensuring all activities meet state environmental standards ^{5 6}. The collected oil is not simply discarded. It is taken to a processing facility where it is filtered to remove food particles and water. The cleaned oil then becomes a primary feedstock for the production of biodiesel, a cleaner-burning renewable fuel, or is converted into other products like industrial lubricants ^{2 4 7}. This closed-loop system turns a kitchen byproduct into a valuable component of the circular economy.

Secure On-Site Storage Best Practices

Proper storage between pickups is crucial for safety, compliance, and maintaining oil quality. Best practices include:

• Use Approved Containers: Store oil in specialized, sealed containers or locked storage tanks provided by your hauler. These are designed to prevent leaks, spills, and contamination ⁸.
• Choose a Safe Location: Place containers in an accessible, shaded area for pickup crews, away from direct sunlight and extreme weather to preserve the oil and prevent container damage ⁸.
• Prevent Theft and Tampering: Use locking lids or cages, as used cooking oil has value on the commodities market. Secure storage protects your asset and prevents messy, hazardous spills from vandalism ².
• Allow Proper Cooling: Never transfer hot oil directly from a fryer. Allow it to cool completely in the fryer's built-in pot or a designated, heat-safe container before moving it to your main storage unit to prevent burns and fires.

Cost Structure and Potential Revenue

The financial model for used cooking oil collection is typically volume-based. Many services offer free pickup for lower volumes, with fees or rebates adjusting as your monthly output changes. Understanding your generation rate is key to evaluating service agreements.

• Low Volume (Less than 100 gallons/month): Services often provide pickup and recycling at no charge, as the value of the recycled material covers their operational costs. You typically won't pay a fee nor receive a rebate ^{9 10}.
• Medium Volume (100-300 gallons/month): You may encounter a small service fee (e.g., $0.10-$0.25 per gallon) or, conversely, begin to see a modest rebate depending on market prices and your contract terms ^{9 11}.
• High Volume (Over 300 gallons/month): Establishments generating significant quantities can often earn rebates that turn disposal into a revenue stream. Rebates can range from $0.25 to over $0.65 per gallon, potentially covering all associated disposal costs and providing a small income ^{10 11}.

The final cost or rebate is influenced by oil quality (cleaner, well-filtered oil is more valuable), the security and condition of your storage equipment, and current market prices for renewable feedstocks ^{9 10}. The most accurate way to determine your specific pricing is to request a quote from licensed haulers serving the Elmhurst area.

Compliance and Environmental Stewardship

Following Elmhurst's FOG program and using a licensed hauler is a direct act of local environmental stewardship. By preventing grease from entering sewers, you help avoid sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) that can contaminate local waterways, including Salt Creek. Furthermore, by ensuring your oil is recycled into biodiesel, your business actively reduces the demand for fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint associated with waste disposal ⁷.

State-level compliance is managed by the Illinois EPA, which regulates the storage, transportation, and processing of used oil ⁶. Reputable haulers manage this compliance on your behalf, but it is the business owner's responsibility to ensure their chosen provider is properly licensed and insured. For specific questions about local codes, the Elmhurst Public Works department can provide guidance on the city's FOG program requirements ^{1 12}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources