Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Southaven, Mississippi Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Southaven, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is a critical operational and environmental responsibility. Proper disposal of this liquid waste is not just about cleanliness; it's a legal requirement under Mississippi and federal guidelines designed to protect municipal sewer systems and the environment. Fortunately, a structured system exists where licensed grease collection services handle the entire process, from providing secure storage containers to scheduling regular pickups. This service often comes at no cost and can even generate a rebate for businesses with sufficient volume, while ensuring the oil is recycled into valuable products like biodiesel.

Ace Grease Service

Transfer Station, 7240 Craft-Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654

Ace Grease Service is a family-owned company based in Memphis, TN, specializing in used cooking oil collection and grease trap cleaning. With over 31 years of experience, they serve a variety of clients including restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and food manufacturing plants. The company collects and recycles used cooking oil into products like plastics, soaps, livestock feed, and biodiesel fuel. Ace Grease Service operates a fleet of advanced trucks and equipment, providing service across nine states in the Midwest.

4.7

26 Reviews

See more providers in Southaven, MS

Understanding Local FOG Regulations

In Mississippi, food service businesses are mandated to capture Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) on-site to prevent sewer blockages and environmental harm ¹. This is typically achieved through properly maintained grease interceptors or traps. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the overarching framework, classifying used cooking oil as a recyclable commodity that must be managed carefully ². Key rules for Southaven establishments include:

• Prohibition on Drain Disposal: It is illegal to pour used fryer oil or any FOG down sinks, drains, or toilets. Doing so can lead to severe plumbing backups, costly municipal fines, and damage to local wastewater infrastructure ³.
• Proper Storage Requirements: Until collected, used oil must be kept in labeled, leak-proof containers or tanks that are in good condition. Storage in unpermitted pits or areas where it could spill is prohibited ².
• Use of Licensed Haulers: Businesses must contract with licensed used oil collection and recycling services. These providers ensure the oil is transported and processed according to regulations, and they supply necessary documentation for compliance records ⁴.

The Step-by-Step Collection Process

Partnering with a professional used cooking oil collector streamlines compliance and operations. The standard process involves several key stages:

1. Secure On-Site Storage

The service begins with the installation of a dedicated storage tank. These are typically sturdy, lockable containers ranging from 40 to 300 gallons, placed in a convenient outdoor or secure indoor location ^{5 6}. Many providers use tanks with proprietary fittings to prevent unauthorized access and theft, ensuring your oil is safely contained until pickup.

2. Scheduled Pickup and Collection

Once your tank is in place, you'll establish a pickup schedule-weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly-based on your oil production volume. On service day, a technician will pump the oil from your tank directly into a specialized collection truck ^{7 8}. This closed system minimizes spills and mess. The collector should provide a service ticket or manifest detailing the amount collected, which serves as your proof of proper disposal.

3. Transportation and Recycling

The collected oil is transported to a processing facility. There, it undergoes a refining process to remove food particles, water, and other impurities ^{8 9}. The cleaned oil is then repurposed, most commonly as a feedstock for renewable biofuels like biodiesel or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It can also be used in the production of animal feed, soaps, and other industrial products, completing the circular economy loop ^{7 9}.

Cost and Rebate Structures for Restaurants

A common question from restaurant owners is about the cost. The financial model for used cooking oil collection is typically volume-based and can work in your favor:

• Low Volume Producers (e.g., under 40 gallons per month): Smaller establishments may incur a monthly service fee to cover the cost of pickup and recycling, which can be in the range of approximately $30 per month ^{10 11}.
• Medium to High Volume Producers (e.g., 40+ gallons per month): Most services offer free pickup for restaurants generating this level of volume. The collector's revenue comes from selling the recycled oil to biofuel producers.
• Potential for Rebates: For high-volume generators (often over 100 gallons per month), many companies share a portion of their revenue back with the restaurant in the form of a rebate check ¹². Rebate rates can vary based on market prices for recycled oil and your consistent volume, but can range from $0.10 to over $0.65 per gallon ^{10 11}.

Choosing a Service Provider in the Southaven Area

When selecting a used cooking oil collection partner, consider their reliability, compliance, and service offerings. Major national providers like Mahoney Environmental and Baker Commodities have a significant presence in the Memphis metropolitan area, which includes Southaven, and offer comprehensive programs ^{7 4 13}. Key factors to evaluate include:

• Licensing and Insurance: Verify the company is fully licensed to handle and transport used cooking oil in Mississippi.
• Container Provision and Maintenance: Ensure they provide robust, secure collection tanks and are responsible for any maintenance or repairs.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Look for a provider that can tailor a pickup schedule to your kitchen's pace, preventing overflows.
• Transparent Documentation: They should supply clear service reports for your environmental compliance records.
• Rebate Program Details: If your volume is substantial, understand their rebate structure and payment terms.

Benefits Beyond Compliance

Implementing a professional used cooking oil management system delivers advantages that extend past meeting legal obligations:

• Enhanced Safety and Cleanliness: Eliminates the hazards of storing hot oil in makeshift containers, reducing slip-and-fall risks and pest attraction.
• Operational Efficiency: Frees up kitchen staff from the messy task of manually handling and disposing of oil.
• Environmental Stewardship: Directly contributes to the production of renewable fuels, lowering the carbon footprint associated with waste and fossil fuels.
• Potential Revenue Stream: For qualifying businesses, the rebate program turns a waste product into a minor source of income.

Proper management is an integral part of sustainable restaurant operations in DeSoto County.

Frequently asked questions

Sources