Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Fishers, Indiana Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Fishers, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a critical operational and environmental responsibility. Proper disposal of waste fryer oil and grease is not just a best practice-it's a legal requirement designed to protect the local sewer system and support Indiana's sustainability goals. By partnering with a licensed hauler, Fishers eateries can transform a waste product into valuable commodities like biodiesel, all while ensuring compliance with state and local regulations and potentially earning revenue. This guide outlines the essential steps for compliant UCO and grease trap management, from secure storage to final recycling.

Mahoney Environmental

2535 Producers Av, Indianapolis, IN 46218

Mahoney Environmental is a cooking oil management company based in Indianapolis, IN, serving commercial kitchens throughout the state. They offer a range of services including fresh cooking oil delivery, used cooking oil pickup and recycling, grease trap cleaning and maintenance, as well as the design and installation of cooking oil equipment. Their used cooking oil is recycled into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, supporting environmental sustainability. Mahoney Environmental works with clients to create customized schedules for oil delivery and pickup, ensuring efficient kitchen operations and compliance with health codes.

4.9

9 Reviews

Ace Grease Service

1815 Kentucky Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46221

Ace Grease Service is a family-owned company based in Indianapolis, IN, specializing in used cooking oil collection and grease trap cleaning. With over 31 years of experience, they serve restaurants, hotels, hospitals, penal institutions, and large food manufacturing plants. The company collects used cooking oil and cleans grease traps to help keep kitchens and sewers clean, then processes and recycles the oil into products like plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel. Ace Grease Service operates across nine states in the Midwest with a fleet of modern trucks and equipment.

4.5

17 Reviews

Fry Tech Edible Oils

4830 Industrial Pkwy, Indianapolis, IN 46226

Fry Tech Edible Oils is a cooking oil management company based in Indianapolis, IN. They provide cooking oil delivery, collection, pickup, and recycling services tailored to commercial kitchens such as restaurants, hospitals, schools, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Their service area covers Indiana, Michigan, Northern Kentucky, and Western Ohio. Fry Tech offers customized cooking oil management plans that include high-quality cooking oils with good nutritional value and stability, managing all aspects of delivery and collection to support their clients' operations.

4.7

3 Reviews

Restaurant Technologies

is, 9703 E 153rd St #400, Noblesville, IN 46060

Restaurant Technologies is a used cooking oil collection company based in Carmel, IN. They offer an automatic cooking oil management system that includes bulk oil delivery, filtration, and recycling through a closed-loop process. Their service features the installation of tanks connected to fryers, allowing for safe and efficient oil handling without manual labor. The company operates a depot in Indianapolis and serves commercial kitchens looking to improve safety and sustainability while reducing labor associated with cooking oil management.

3.0

4 Reviews

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Legal Requirements for Oil Disposal in Fishers

In Fishers, as in the rest of Indiana, food service establishments (FSEs) are legally obligated to dispose of their waste cooking oil and grease properly ¹. This means you cannot simply pour it down a drain or discard it with regular trash. The primary rule is that you must use a licensed hauler registered with the state to collect and transport your used oil and grease trap waste ². These haulers are often classified as "Indelible Kitchen Grease (IKG)" transporters.

The consequences for improper disposal can be significant. Violations can lead to citations or fines from local authorities ³. Furthermore, all establishments are required to have a properly maintained grease trap or interceptor to filter fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the public sewer lines, preventing costly blockages and environmental damage ⁴.

The Step-by-Step Collection Process

A well-managed used cooking oil program involves a clear, consistent process from your kitchen to the recycling facility.

1. Secure Storage The first step begins in your kitchen. After oil is used for frying, it should be cooled and then transferred to a dedicated, airtight storage container. Most professional collection services provide these containers, which are designed to be dark and sealed to maintain the oil's quality by preventing oxidation and contamination ⁵. These containers should be stored in a secure area, such as a locked enclosure or a location with surveillance, to prevent theft, which is a common issue due to the value of the oil ⁶.

2. Scheduled Collection Your licensed hauler will work with you to establish a regular pickup schedule-whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly-based on your volume of oil production. On collection day, a service technician will pump the oil from your storage containers directly into their specialized collection truck ³. Reputable providers ensure this process is clean and efficient, minimizing disruption to your operations.

3. Documentation and Compliance A key benefit of using a licensed service is the documentation provided. After each pickup, you should receive a proof-of-service ticket or manifest ⁵. This document is crucial for your records, demonstrating compliance with local and state regulations should your establishment ever be inspected.

From Waste to Resource: The Recycling Journey

Once collected from your restaurant in Fishers, the used cooking oil begins its transformation into new products. Licensed haulers transport the oil to a regional processing facility ⁷. There, it undergoes a rigorous recycling process. The oil is first filtered to remove food particles and water. It is then purified and, most commonly, put through a chemical process called transesterification to convert it into biodiesel ⁸.

This recycled biodiesel is a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions ⁹. Beyond biofuel, used cooking oil can be processed into ingredients for animal feed, soaps, lubricants, and industrial chemicals. This circular economy model ensures that waste from Fishers' vibrant food scene contributes positively to environmental sustainability and reduces landfill burden ¹.

Understanding Costs and Potential Revenue

The financial model for used cooking oil collection can vary. Many restaurants are surprised to learn that their waste oil can actually generate income.

• Rebates for High-Quality Oil: If your oil is kept pure (free from water and food debris) and stored properly in covered containers, you may qualify for a rebate from your hauler. Rebates can range from $0.10 to $0.65 per gallon, depending on market prices for biodiesel feedstock ⁶. For a high-volume establishment, this can offset service costs or even become a small revenue stream.
• Service Fees: For smaller volumes or if the oil is contaminated, a service fee may apply. These fees are typically modest, often in the range of $0.10 to $0.25 per gallon for collections between 100-300 gallons ⁶. It's important to view this not just as a cost, but as a responsible alternative to potential fines for improper disposal.
• Grease Trap Service: Regular grease trap cleaning is a separate but related service, usually performed on a scheduled basis for a fee, and is essential for compliance and preventing sewer backups ².

Choosing a Service Provider in Fishers

Selecting the right partner for used cooking oil collection and grease trap service is crucial. Look for a provider that is fully licensed and insured to operate in Indiana. They should offer clear contracts, reliable scheduling, and provide all necessary compliance documentation. Several established companies serve the Fishers and greater Indianapolis area:

• Mahoney Environmental: A national provider with local service, offering comprehensive solutions including used cooking oil collection, grease trap cleaning, and even fresh oil delivery ².
• Frytech (Cooking Oil Collection Company Indiana): Focuses on eco-friendly collection services specifically for biodiesel production, emphasizing scheduling flexibility and customer service for Indiana restaurants ^{7 8}.
• Evergreen Grease: Positions itself as a compliance-focused partner for Indiana eateries, helping restaurants navigate regulations while ensuring their oil is recycled responsibly ¹.

When evaluating providers, ask about their recycling partners, the security of their collection containers, and their fee or rebate structure to find the best fit for your operation's size and needs.

Best Practices for Restaurant Managers

Maximizing the efficiency and value of your oil management program involves a few key practices:

• Train Your Staff: Ensure all kitchen staff know to pour cooled oil only into the designated collection container-never into sinks, floor drains, or trash cans.
• Prevent Contamination: Keep lids on containers when not in use. Avoid introducing water, soap, or solid food waste into the oil, as this degrades its quality and value.
• Maintain Security: Place collection containers in a well-lit, locked area or within camera view to deter theft.
• Communicate with Your Hauler: Report any issues like overfull containers or missed pickups immediately. A good service provider will work with you to optimize your schedule as your business changes.

Frequently asked questions

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