Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Albuquerque, New Mexico Ranked

For Albuquerque restaurants, managing used cooking oil (UCO) is more than just a waste disposal task-it's a key operational and environmental responsibility. Properly collecting and recycling this oil transforms a potential liability into a valuable resource, supporting local biodiesel production and helping businesses stay compliant with city health codes. With services ranging from free container provision to scheduled pickups, Albuquerque establishments have streamlined options for grease trap cleaning and oil recycling that can simplify back-of-house operations and potentially generate revenue.

Core Biofuels LLC

150 Woodward Rd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Core Biofuels LLC provides used cooking oil collection and recycling services in Albuquerque, NM. They serve restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, and commercial kitchens with clean, well-maintained collection containers and flexible pickup schedules tailored to each business. Core Biofuels specializes in converting collected used cooking oil into renewable biodiesel, supporting environmental sustainability and local clean water initiatives. Established in 2010, the company brings over 15 years of experience to its operations and offers emergency response services through a toll-free number.

5.0

7 Reviews

See more providers in Albuquerque, NM

Why Recycle Used Cooking Oil in Albuquerque?

Recycling your kitchen's used fryer oil offers significant advantages beyond simply getting rid of waste. In Albuquerque, this practice aligns with both economic and regulatory goals for food service businesses.

• Environmental Stewardship: Recycled cooking oil is a primary feedstock for biodiesel, a cleaner-burning alternative fuel. By participating in a grease collection program, your restaurant directly contributes to reducing fossil fuel dependence and lowering carbon emissions in the community ^{1 2}.
• Regulatory Compliance: The City of Albuquerque enforces health codes that require proper management of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to prevent sewer line blockages and environmental contamination. A professional used oil collection service ensures you meet these standards, helping you avoid potential fines ^{3 4}.
• Economic Benefit: High-quality, uncontaminated used cooking oil has value. Many collection services offer rebates, payments, or tax write-offs for clean oil, turning a waste stream into a minor revenue source. Conversely, improper disposal can lead to costly fees ^{5 6 3}.

Local Providers for Grease Collection and Recycling

Several reputable companies serve the Albuquerque area, offering comprehensive programs for used cooking oil pickup. These providers typically supply the necessary equipment and handle the logistics of safe transport and recycling.

• Reunity Resources: Operating as a non-profit, Reunity Resources offers free collection of clean vegetable oil. They provide 55-gallon drums and can facilitate tax write-offs for donated oil. It's important to note they typically collect only plant-based oils, not animal fats or grease interceptor waste ¹.
• Grand Natural Inc.: This provider offers free containers and scheduled used cooking oil pickups. They often pair this service with grease trap cleaning, providing a complete FOG management solution for restaurants. Their services include online scheduling for convenience ^{6 4}.
• Core Biofuels: Serving Albuquerque and the broader region, Core Biofuels provides free collection bins and safe storage solutions. They work with restaurants on volume-based rebate programs and assist with regulatory compliance documentation related to oil recycling ^{5 7 8}.

Best Practices for On-Site Oil Storage and Handling

Proper handling before pickup is crucial for safety, maintaining oil quality, and ensuring a smooth collection process. Following these guidelines protects your staff, property, and the value of your used oil.

Containment and Security: Always store used oil in the secure, locked containers provided by your collector. This prevents spills, deters theft (as used oil can be a target for theft), and avoids contamination from water or other substances ^{9 10}.

Safe Location: Place storage containers indoors or in a secure outdoor area. The location should be away from storm drains, sources of heat, and high-traffic zones to prevent accidents. A spot near the back door is often ideal for easy access during scheduled pump-outs ^{3 11}.

Oil Preparation: For the best outcome, strain cooled oil to remove large food particles. Allow hot oil to cool below 120°F before transferring it to storage drums. Crucially, never mix used cooking oil with water, grease trap waste, or motor oil, as contamination can significantly reduce its value for recycling and may incur disposal fees ^{9 12}.

The Step-by-Step Collection and Recycling Process

Understanding the journey of your used oil from the fryer to becoming biodiesel can highlight the efficiency of the system.

1. Collect & Store: After cooling, filtered used cooking oil is poured into the dedicated, secure storage drum provided by your service ⁹.
2. Schedule Pickup: Based on your kitchen's volume, you'll establish a regular pickup schedule (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) with your provider ^{11 12}.
3. Professional Pump-Out: On the scheduled day, a trained technician will use a specialized pump and tanker truck to safely and completely transfer the oil from your container ^{11 2}.
4. Transport & Processing: The oil is transported to a processing facility where it undergoes extensive filtering and purification to remove any remaining impurities ².
5. Transformation: The cleaned oil is then converted into biodiesel, animal feed supplements, or other industrial products, completing the recycling loop ^{1 2}.

Financial and Operational Considerations

The economics of used cooking oil collection depend largely on the quality and volume of oil you generate.

• Revenue vs. Cost: Clean, pure vegetable oil in sufficient volume can generate rebates or payments from collectors. However, if the oil is heavily contaminated with water or food waste, the collector may charge a disposal fee, as the cost to process it increases ^{3 4}.
• Tangible Savings: Services often include free bins, lids, and locks. The elimination of disposal costs and potential tax benefits (like those from Reunity Resources) contribute to overall savings. Furthermore, maintaining compliance avoids health department fines ^{5 1 6}.
• Compliance Support: Professional providers help you navigate local regulations regarding grease handling and documentation, reducing administrative burden and risk ^{7 4}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources