Top Used Cooking Oil Collection in Tacoma, Washington Ranked

For restaurants and food service establishments in Tacoma, managing used cooking oil is more than just a routine cleanup task-it's a critical component of environmental compliance and operational efficiency. Proper handling of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) is mandated by local regulations to protect the city's sewer system from costly blockages and overflows. Fortunately, this waste stream also presents an opportunity, as professional collection services recycle the material into biodiesel and other products, often providing convenient pickups and potential financial benefits. This guide outlines the local rules, the recycling process, and what Tacoma businesses can expect when partnering with a professional grease collection service.

Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC)

2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516

Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center (WARC) is a waste management facility located in Lacey, WA. It serves the local community by providing solid waste disposal and recycling services. The center previously offered a used cooking oil collection program but has suspended this service due to new traceability guidelines from its recycling vendor. WARC also manages other waste programs and is involved in exploring new transfer station developments to improve waste handling in the region.

4.4

270 Reviews

Restaurant Technologies

19437 66th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032

Restaurant Technologies is a used cooking oil collection company based in Kent, WA. They provide an end-to-end cooking oil management system that includes bulk oil delivery, filtration, and recycling. Their automatic system installs tanks and controls in commercial kitchens to safely deliver fresh oil and remove used oil without manual handling. This service helps reduce hazards and improve safety in back-of-house operations while supporting sustainability initiatives.

5.0

5 Reviews

Seattle Grease Trap Services

107 Cherry St #310, Seattle, WA 98104

Seattle Grease Trap Services provides comprehensive grease trap and interceptor cleaning, pumping, installation, and repair services in Seattle, WA. Serving commercial kitchens, restaurants, schools, and industrial facilities, they cover Seattle and surrounding areas including King and Pierce Counties. With over 15 years of experience, the company offers licensed and environmentally responsible grease trap maintenance, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Their fleet of pump trucks and trained technicians handle grease trap measurement, pumping, cleaning, and record keeping to support smooth kitchen operations and prevent blockages or fines.

4.6

10 Reviews

West Coast Renewables

2211 W Valley Hwy E, Sumner, WA 98390

West Coast Renewables is a grease trap cleaning and used cooking oil collection company based in Puyallup, WA. They serve a wide area across Western Washington, including cities like Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Olympia. Their services include grease trap pumping, maintenance, repair, and hydro-jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clear clogs and improve system performance. The company emphasizes proactive FOG (fats, oils, and grease) management to help commercial kitchens maintain hygiene and comply with local regulations. West Coast Renewables offers 24/7 emergency services to minimize disruptions for food service businesses.

5.0

1 Reviews

Baker Commodities Inc

5795 S 130th Pl, Seattle, WA 98178

Baker Commodities Inc is a grease removal and used cooking oil collection company based in Seattle, WA. They serve the Pacific Northwest region, providing restaurant grease pickup, grease trap cleaning, and animal by-product recycling services. Their capabilities include using vacuum pumps and hydrojetters to clean grease traps efficiently, helping to prevent sewer clogs and promote environmental sustainability. The company offers 24-hour emergency rendering and grease collection services to support local food service businesses and protect the community's natural surroundings.

3.7

15 Reviews

See more providers in Tacoma, WA

Understanding Tacoma's FOG Regulations

The City of Tacoma has specific requirements for FOG management to prevent sewer problems. Fats, oils, and grease from commercial kitchens are a leading cause of sewer blockages, which can lead to expensive repairs, fines, and environmental damage ¹. To mitigate this, the city enforces best management practices that require businesses to properly store and dispose of their waste grease.

Key regulations include:

• Proper Storage: Used cooking oil must be collected in portable, sealed containers to prevent spills and leaks ².
• Grease Interceptor Maintenance: Establishments with plumbing fixtures that discharge to the sanitary sewer are typically required to have a Gravity Grease Interceptor (GGI). These traps must be regularly pumped and cleaned by a licensed waste hauler to ensure they function correctly ³.
• Legal Disposal: It is illegal to pour used cooking oil, grease, or food scraps down any drain, including sinks, floor drains, and toilets ¹.
• Licensed Haulers: All waste haulers transporting used cooking oil or cleaning grease traps must be licensed by the City of Tacoma ². Working with a licensed provider ensures your business remains in compliance.

Adhering to these rules not only avoids potential penalties but also contributes to the community's broader wastewater management goals.

The Grease Recycling Process: From Fryer to Fuel

Professional used cooking oil collection transforms a waste product into a valuable resource. The process is designed to be seamless for restaurant operators.

1. On-Site Storage: A collection service provides secure, sealed containers or barrels for your kitchen staff to safely deposit cooled waste oil. These containers are often designed with locking lids to prevent theft and contamination ⁴.
2. Scheduled Pickup: Based on your volume of oil production, the service establishes a regular pickup schedule-whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. A licensed hauler arrives, swaps out full containers for clean ones, and transports the oil away ⁵.
3. Recycling & Repurposing: The collected oil is taken to a processing facility, known as a renderer. Here, it is cleaned and refined. The primary end product is biodiesel, a renewable fuel that powers vehicles and equipment ⁶. Other potential products include animal feed supplements, industrial lubricants, and ingredients for soap ⁷.
4. Grease Trap Service: Most full-service providers also offer grease interceptor (or grease trap) pumping and cleaning. This essential maintenance keeps your plumbing compliant and functional, preventing slow drains and backups in your own facility ⁸.

This circular economy model reduces reliance on fossil fuels and gives your kitchen waste a productive second life.

Financial Considerations: Costs and Potential Revenue

The economics of used cooking oil collection in Tacoma can vary, but many services are structured to benefit the restaurant. Unlike disposing of general waste, used oil has inherent value to recyclers, which can offset service costs.

Pricing or compensation models are typically based on the volume and quality of oil you generate monthly ⁹. Clean, well-managed oil (free of excessive food debris and water) is more valuable.

• Lower Volume Operations: For establishments generating under approximately 100 gallons per month, collection services are often provided for free. You may not receive a payment, but you also avoid any pickup or disposal fees ¹⁰.
• Medium to High Volume Operations: Restaurants producing 100 gallons or more per month may qualify for a rebate or service credit. Payments can range from $0.10 to over $0.65 per gallon, with higher volumes and cleaner oil commanding better rates ^{9 6}. These payments can be applied as a credit against any charges for grease trap cleaning services or issued as a check.
• Primary Benefit: For most businesses, the greatest financial benefit is avoiding cost. Proper, professional disposal prevents severe expenses from sewer line blockages, fines for non-compliance, and emergency plumbing repairs ¹.

It's important to discuss the specific fee or revenue structure with any service provider during the initial consultation.

Choosing a Service Provider in Tacoma

Selecting a reliable partner for grease collection and grease trap cleaning is crucial. Key local providers, such as Grand Natural and Baker Commodities, offer comprehensive services including free container delivery, scheduled pickups, and interceptor maintenance ^{7 5 11}.

When evaluating providers, consider the following:

• City Licensing: Confirm the hauler is currently licensed by the City of Tacoma's Environmental Services Department ².
• Service Flexibility: Ensure their pickup schedule can accommodate your kitchen's production cycle.
• Container Security: Inquire about locking containers to prevent unauthorized siphoning, which is a common issue.
• Transparent Pricing: Understand all potential fees and any revenue-sharing model. Get a clear agreement in writing.
• Sustainability Commitment: Ask about the final destination of the oil. Reputable providers will have it processed into biodiesel or other recycled products.

For a definitive list of licensed haulers and the latest regulatory information, the City of Tacoma's Environmental Services website is the official resource ¹.

The Environmental Impact of Proper Oil Recycling

Participating in a professional used cooking oil program extends benefits far beyond your kitchen. By ensuring your oil is recycled, you directly support regional sustainability efforts. The conversion to biodiesel creates a cleaner-burning alternative to petroleum diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants ⁶. Furthermore, keeping FOG out of the sewer system protects local waterways like the Thea Foss Waterway and Commencement Bay from pollution related to sewer overflows. It's a simple operational decision with a positive ripple effect on the local environment and Tacoma's infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

Sources