Used Cooking Oil
A Restaurant Owner’s Guide to Used Cooking Oil
As a restaurant owner, it is up to you to decide how to handle used cooking oils. Some of the oil may wind up in a grease trap, whereas others may be left behind after cooking. No one wants fats, oils, and grease winding up in the pipes or sewer systems as this can lead to devastating consequences.
When it comes to oil disposal, you have to think about your sewer system, the environment, and your resources. If you are new to the restaurant industry or have too much cooking oil, here are a few ways you can dispose of it.
Use Cooking Oil for Future Dishes
Leftover fats and oils are usable. Oils and fats add flavor to dishes. You can use leftover oils to add depth to your future dishes. If you want to use your oil in the future, you have to strain it. You can use coffee filters or cheesecloths to strain out any of the food particles. Then, once the oil is clean, you can store it in the refrigerator or a dark place. If the fat has already solidified, then you can allow it to liquefy before you strain it into a jar and keep it in a safe place for later.
Donate Cooking Oil
There are a lot of cities that allow residents and restaurants to donate cooking oil. They can use the oil to make biodiesel. If you produce a lot of leftover oil, you may want to consider a donation center for your oil. You can research where the closest cooking oil donation place is to donate your used oils.
Upcycle the Oil
There are a lot of different ways that you can use cooking oil. One thing that you could do with your old oil is to create soap. All you need is the right materials and recipe. Also, you could use oil in your compost heap. While too much oil can hurt earthworms, they thrive on a little. You can also add a little oil to your bird feeders in the winter. In colder months, birds need additional calories to survive. If you put fat into stockings and hang them outside throughout the winter, birds can feed on it.
You can also use oil to kill weeds. All you need to do is add some oil to a spray bottle with a little water and spray to kill the weeds. Likewise, oils can be used for lighting. Given that there are so many uses for oil outside of the kitchen, you never have to run out of ideas.
Try Absorbent Materials
If you need to dispose of your oil and do not know how to do so, you can use absorbent materials. For instance, you may not want to put liquid oils or fats in your garbage. You can mix the oil with flour or cat litter to soak it up. Then, when you throw it out, you don’t have to worry about any oil spills in your kitchen.
Use a Grease Trap
If you own a restaurant where you cook with oil and fat on a regular basis, then you need to have a grease trap installed in your kitchen. Grease traps not only keep your restaurant smelling clean, but they can ensure that you do not wind up with fats, oils, and grease in your sewer system.
A grease trap separates food, water, and grease. Since grease is lighter than water, you will see the grease float to the top. When you have a grease trap, you also must invest in grease trap cleaning. Trap services remove the grease on a routine basis. Grease traps prevent any clogs or grease winding up in a sanitary sewer system. As with all kitchen appliances, you do need to keep up with grease trap maintenance. On average, you should have your trap cleaned once every one to three months. It all depends on the volume that you produce and the amount of grease floating in your system.
As a restaurant owner, you have to have a plan in place for your used cooking oils. While grease traps prevent clogs, you can also utilize recycling companies, donation spots, and future cooking to handle your used cooking oil in St Louis, MO.
Why You Shouldn’t Throw Away Your Used Cooking Oil
It’s important to keep in mind what’s dumped in your kitchen sink. Used cooking oil, for instance, can wreak havoc on your home’s, restaurant’s, or city’s plumbing. To better understand how to prevent these issues from occurring and the best ways to dispose of used cooking oil, make sure to read our guide below.
Why Shouldn’t You Dump Used Cooking Oil Down The Drain?
You may have heard of the term “fatberg.” This portmanteau of “fat” and “iceberg” is the result of fats, oils, and grease collecting in sewer lines to form one giant, amorphous blob. While the term “fatberg” tends to evoke laughter in those that hear it, it can cause serious damage to communities. They clog pipes, forcing sewage to find other routes of escape.
These blockages are not uncommon. New York, Detroit, and London have all undergone highly public battles against them, and it’s estimated that millions of dollars each year unclogging sewer pipes across the country. The example of Detroit may be an extreme case, with officials estimating the fatberg as measuring 100-feet long, 11-feet wide, and 6-feet tall.
Unfortunately, despite increased publicity surrounding the problem, issues of used cooking oils clogging sewer pipes are still common. The Environmental Protection Agency, in fact, states the average amount of uncollected grease that enters sewage treatment plants is between 800 to 17,000 pounds per restaurant per year.
As fats, oils, and grease – or FOG – begin to collect in sewer pipes, they also begin to take on new partners. Wet wipes, even those marked flushable, and other solid items can make it difficult for the clog to disperse. These materials can also damage wastewater facilities.
How Should Home Chefs Dispose of Used Cooking Oil?
Home chefs lack the industrial equipment of a restaurant, such as a grease trap, but can still find safe and effective ways to remove used cooking oil from their homes. In some cases, it doesn’t even need to be thrown away, as oil that’s used for deep frying can be re-used and cleaned.
You can also save bacon grease and other leftover fats for later use. Bacon fat makes an excellent frying medium for eggs and grilled cheese sandwiches, among others. If you’re planning on storing your leftover grease for later use, make sure to let it cool slightly first. Then pour it through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any solid particulates. A fine-mesh strainer also works.
If your re-used cooking oils have seen their last use, you will need to throw them away. The best way to get rid of FOGs is to again let it cool. Then pour it into a container that can be secured and thrown away. Deli or takeout containers can be used here, too, but they should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to help ensure no oils leak out.
How Should Restaurants Or Industrial Kitchens Dispose of Used Cooking Oil?
Many restaurants and industrial kitchens use grease traps to help capture their used oil. Grease traps prevent FOGs from entering the sewer lines. Restaurants can then dispose of the oil safely themselves or hire a trap services company to take away the grease trap’s contents regularly.
It should be noted that grease trap maintenance is essential. By engaging in regular grease trap cleaning, you can help FOGs from overflowing and clogging your restaurant’s or kitchen’s sewer pipes. Cleaning and maintenance help you avoid pricey plumber bills and makes for a better experience for your customers, as overflowing grease traps do not give off a welcoming smell.
The definition of “regular” here will vary depending on the size of the grease trap. Generally, most cities and utilities recommend conducting enough cleaning to keep the trap less than 25 percent filled. Some localities set a specific, minimum number of cleanings per year.
What Are Other Ways of Disposing Used Cooking Oil?
Ace Grease offers superior used cooking oil pickup services for restaurants and industrial kitchens. We handle both interior and exterior grease containers. We can also provide you with durable storage containers free of charge, too.
Of course, the greatest benefit of our service is that we don’t just pick up the used cooking oil. We also pay you for it, as we recycle then re-sell the oil.
If you’d like to make money from your used cooking oil, give us a call today. We can be reached at 800-473-2733.
The Benefits of Recycling Used Cooking Oil
Recycling has always been top of mind for those looking to reduce needless waste. Generally, though, recycling is thought of as a tool for certain consumable products like glass, paper, and plastic.
For those in the restaurant industry or who operate kitchens of all sorts, you may not be aware that recycling used cooking oil can benefit your organization. Not only do you get paid for your oil, but it can also help spark a local economy while helping the future of the environment stay green.
There’s a Lower Cost of Cleanup
Most restaurants and commercial kitchen operations dump their oil down the drain. If they follow local health ordinances, they should use a grease trap to help prevent the fats and cooking oils from escaping into the local sewer system. However, even when you use a grease trap, the liquid fats can form dangerous clogs in your plumbing. This is because fats tend to be solid at room temperature. So even if the dumped fat is liquid at first, it will soon turn solid.
When clogs form, you’ll find your kitchen dealing with plumbing backups. Water won’t be able to drain into any of the connected sewer lines, leaving the area unsanitary. Between the clean-up, the call to your plumber, and the potential fines you may face from improper grease trap maintenance, you’ll find a combined bill that can reach well into the four-digit range.
When you recycle your used cooking oil, though, you’ll get paid for your oil. That means you’ll end up making money instead of spending it on cleanups or disposal.
Used Cooking Oil Can Be Used as a Renewable Energy
The reason that recycling your used cooking oil is a possibility is it can be turned into biodiesel. Biodiesel is a form of renewable energy and serves as an alternative to diesel derived from petroleum. This means your used oil could eventually help power vehicles and buildings.
Biodiesel offers several benefits when compared to traditional diesel products. For instance, biodiesel can be sourced locally. So, instead of having petroleum-based oil pumped or transported across the country or even the world, you can gain easy access to biodiesel manufactured in your region or your community.
This helps the environment as it lowers the overall carbon footprint of fuel products. Furthermore, because biodiesel is recycled, it doesn’t require drilling, mining, or other desecrations of the natural environment.
Biodiesel can help reduce greenhouse emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane. Reducing these emissions will play a needed role in curbing rising global temperatures and preventing further damage to our planet and its ozone.
You Can Support Local Businesses
As stated above, biodiesel can be locally sourced. That means the collection, recycling, and production can all be done at the regional or community level. So, you’re not just helping to save the planet when you recycle your used cooking oil, you’re helping to boost your local economy, too.
Across the nation, the recycled cooking oil market sits at around $3 billion of annual revenue. While that number obviously falls when you look at St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding communities, that’s a large market that can help keep local economies booming. Oil recycling companies, like Ace Grease, hire locally and partner with local companies.
Of course, companies aren’t just hiring delivery drivers or pickup technicians. As companies like Ace Grease continue to grow, there will be an increase in the need for accountants, engineers, marketers, and salespeople.
Your Pipes Will Remain Unclogged
For your grease traps and plumbing to work, you need to dispose of your used cooking oil. Ace Grease can collect your oil from your current systems or offer you free storage containers. Either way, your fats, oils, and grease will be removed well before it enters your sanitary sewer system. When you keep these things out of your pipes or sewer lines, you are less likely to deal with a costly clog or the plumbing damage it causes.
When your pipes are unclogged, you’ll find your kitchen to be more sanitary. No clogs mean no rancid smell or otherwise distinguishing odor.
Ace Grease Is Here to Recycle Your Used Cooking Oil
We focus on service at Ace Grease. We can partner with you to set up a regular schedule of grease retrieval, which we can then recycle. We’ll pay you top-dollar for the ability to collect your cooking oil.
To see how we can benefit your organization, our local community, and our planet, reach out to us today.
How To Handle Cooking Oil Safely
Who doesn’t love a greasy cheeseburger and a pile of fries once in a while? From fast-food restaurants to small-town diners, businesses all over the world use cooking oil to create their delicious menu items. If you work in the kitchen, though, you know just how dangerous cooking with hot oil can be. From the moment you open a new container of oil, to the cooking process, to getting rid of used cooking oil, you must follow safety measures to protect yourself and those around you.
Wear Safe Attire While Cooking
Safety attire is important when you’re working with cooking oil. At a minimum, wear heat-resistant gloves that extend at least halfway up your forearm to protect yourself from splashes or spillage. Closed-toe shoes with heavy treads make it less likely that you’ll fall and help to protect your feet if you do spill oil or drop the container. If you have access to them, wear a full-body apron and a mask as well. A heat-resistant, rubber apron protects your body from major spillage, and a mask can protect you from any hot oil that splashes up.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Both the oil and the equipment you use for it come with instructions. The biggest thing you can do to protect yourself when working with hot oil is to follow these instructions. They provide information on how to filter the oil, refill it, store unused portions, and dispose of used portions. Naturally, follow the cooking instructions as well. Never use more than is recommended, don’t overheat it, and wait for it to cool before handling it.
No matter how knowledgeable and safe you are, accidents still happen. Knowing how to put out a cooking oil fire is a necessary safety protocol. If a grease fire breaks out, cover it with a metal lid and turn off the heat source. If you’re working with others, follow safety protocol for evacuation, and use a Class B dry chemical fire extinguisher to contain the fire.
Move Oil With the Proper Equipment
Only move cooking oil in equipment approved for handling it. Typically, you’ll need a transporter, a portable filler machine, or a caddy to do so. Never pour used cooking oil into a sink or toilet; doing so can quickly clog your sewer lines. It is also important to have a professional perform grease trap maintenance regularly to prevent issues with the sewer system.
Communicate With Your Co-Workers
Create constant communication with your co-workers or anyone else you’re sharing a kitchen with. Let them know in advance when you plan to move oil, if possible. During the time you’re actively moving it, call out where you are to help others know which areas to avoid. Never walk behind somebody or through doorways without first making your presence known. This makes it less likely for someone to unexpectedly turn around or walk through the door and risk knocking the oil out of your hands.
Create a First Aid Protocol
Restaurant owners should work with their management teams and employees to create first aid kits and a protocol to follow in case of an oil-related accident or any other type of accident. The kit should include items for a range of situations.
- Burn Care — Burn spray, cream, and dressing materials.
- Employee Comfort — Over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medications, and antacids.
- Eye Care — Portable eyewash station with refill solutions and eye pads.
- Major and Minor Injuries — Scissors, forceps, gauze pads with tape, bandages of various sizes, CPR mouth barriers, cold packs, antiseptic wipes, and hand sanitizer.
In addition to having access to a well-stocked first aid kit, anyone working in the kitchen should have basic first aid training. They should know CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and how to use an adrenaline pen if someone goes into anaphylactic shock.
Dispose of Used Cooking Oil Safely
The way you dispose of oil is just as important as how you cook with it and how you transport it. You must work with a grease collection company. Disposal professionals can help you determine which type of outside grease container you need for storing old cooking oil and will clean and deodorize it based on a schedule you create together. They will also help you choose the right caddy, which you place under the fryer to catch oil and transport it outside when the caddy becomes full.
Working with safe and professional grease trap and oil removal professionals is essential for ensuring the safety of employees and the integrity of your comfortable. Ace Grease is dedicated to providing such services.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep your restaurant running smoothly — but not too smoothly!
Proper Disposal and Recycling of Used Cooking Oil
Many people are vigilant about recycling containers in which they purchase food and cooking products at the supermarket but give little attention to leftover used cooking oil. Throwing oil away is the default option but not the ideal choice.
Consequences of Improper Cooking Oil Disposal
Improper disposal of used oil by individuals and facilities with large kitchens, including restaurants, schools, hotels, and food manufacturing plants, can create widespread damage, including:
- Pipe corrosion
- Drain clogs
- Sewer clogs
- Water contamination
As oil travels through a plumbing system, it can cling to hard surfaces where it traps various debris. Random particles eventually form clogs that ultimately lead to water backup or burst pipes as they continue to stick to oily pipe surfaces. If particles bond to pipes deep within the sewer lines, they may also react with calcium present in the sewer water to create large, sticky globules called fatbergs. Fatbergs can quickly grow in size, compromising an entire sewage system and leading to widespread drain backups and water contamination throughout a region.
Preventing Used Cooking Oil From Clogging Pipes
Disposing of cooking oil in a residential kitchen is a simple process. After cooling down, used oil can be transferred to a disposable container and discarded with other standard trash items.
Most commercial kitchens have grease traps beneath their sinks to filter out oil and fat particles before they flow into the sewage system. Grease trap maintenance services St. Louis MO can perform grease trap cleaning to ensure that the remnants of fats, oils, and grease produced by commercial kitchens do not lead to pipe backups that can cause widespread disruptions, requiring time-consuming and costly intervention and repair.
The Benefits of Recycling Used Cooking Oil
Rather than disposing of used cooking oil, many people are starting to realize the many benefits of recycling it.
Source of Fuel
Vegetable oil comprises a significant amount of cooking oil. Through the chemical process of transesterification, the ester, or oil, is combined with alcohol, resulting in biodiesel fuel and glycerin. Biodiesel fuel is a renewable energy source for running engines, heating homes, and other applications and has a small carbon footprint.
Source of New Jobs
Wider recognition of biodiesel fuel merits would lead to widespread use in various industries, including transportation, technology, and manufacturing. A greater reliance on biodiesel fuel would inevitably lead to new job creation to meet all oil recycling stages’ workforce requirements, from collection to processing.
Environmental Protection
Powering various transportation methods is vital for a healthy economy. Still, many fuel sources emit gases that have dire consequences for the earth’s protective ozone layer, leading to global warming concerns. Biodiesel fuel from vegetable oil, including recycled cooking oil, does not release damaging greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, and can provide an environmentally safe alternative to current energy sources.
Rebates and Efficiency
Anyone who recycles used cooking oil can count on the added income that it provides. Recycling services St. Louis MO provide private residences and businesses with cost-free receptacles to store cooking oil until they can pick it up in exchange for payment. These services then sell the oil to the biodiesel manufacturers to produce fuel that many industries use to power their equipment. Machines that run on biodiesel fuel tend to last longer and don’t experience as much parts wear as those operating on standard fossil fuels. By cutting down the frequency of machine replacements, biodiesel fuels can significantly lower many businesses’ operating costs.
Used Cooking Oil is Valuable
Many people who pour cooking oil down the drain or put it in the trash do not realize that they are throwing money away. Others understand that this oil is a valuable asset, making it highly susceptible to theft. As interest in renewable fuel increases, grease thieves know that they can make sizeable profits selling used oil to refineries that convert it to fuel and send the glycerin byproducts to manufacturers for use in the production of items, including soap and cosmetics.
In particular, restaurants can take measures to dissuade oil theft, including installing alarms and security cameras, checking bin oil levels, and alerting authorities about suspicious activities. As economists predict a significant rise in gasoline prices by the end of 2021, interest in used cooking oil should also increase.
To learn more about how you can recycle your used cooking oil and the various collection services available to you, call us at 1.800.473.2733.
Dispose of Your Used Cooking Oil in a Safe and Responsible Way
Did you know used cooking oil is one of the top causes of clogged sewer lines in St. Louis MO and elsewhere? If you use a lot of cooking oil, it can be hard to dispose of it properly. That’s why restaurants, food service trucks and other similar businesses hire Ace Grease to collect their used cooking oil. We know how to take float to the top oil and recycle it. We can then use the processed raw material to create products that are valuable to society.
If you’re interested in learning how to turn your used cooking oils into something that benefits society and creates more sanitary sewer conditions, we can help. We offer grease trap services that are great for your business and great for the environment.
What Happens to Used Cooking Oil That’s Discarded Improperly
When used cooking oil is dumped down the drain, it enters the sewer system. When it’s hot, it may appear to slide down the sink and through the pipes with ease. But grease can’t mix with water, which means it floats on top. Grease floating issues can cause the grease to come in contact with the walls of plumbing pipes and coat them. As soon as the fats oils and grease cool down, they harden and get stuck to the interior of the drainpipes. They also tend to cling to anything they come in contact with and create large globs of sticky waste.
Over time, these globs can lead to severely clogged drain pipes. The only way to clear out the drain pipes is to have professionals come clean them out. This can be an expensive process that costs cities and towns a lot of money.
How Our Grease Trap Service Works
To help minimize the damage caused by dumped cooking oil, we offer grease trap services. A grease trap is a device that is built to allow water to pass through it while it traps most solids and greases inside. This simple invention can prevent most used grease from entering the sewer system.
In addition to installing grease traps for restaurants and other similar businesses, we also offer grease trap cleaning. We’d love to come to pick up your used grease after it’s collected in the grease trap because we know how to recycle it. Though the sludge left behind in your grease trap may look disgusting, we know how to clean it up, recycle it and process it so it’s sanitary. Once it’s processed, it makes a great addition to soaps, biodiesel fuel, livestock feed, and plastics. In short, that used grease sitting in your grease trap can be turned into a lot of great things that are useful to society!
Benefits of a Grease Trap
While there are other ways to dispose of your grease (such as manually dumping it into large buckets or vats and tossing it in the trash), most disposal methods are time-consuming and impractical. A grease trap, on the other hand, is so easy to use. It simply connects to your drainage system so you can pour your grease down the drain (which is the easiest disposal method available). The unique designs of grease traps prevent the grease from actually going into the sewage pipes. The system can make your life easier and save you time and effort when disposing of your grease.
The Importance of Line Jetting
Even with a grease trap, it’s possible that small amounts of grease may still make it into your pipes. To keep your drains clear and running freely, we offer line jetting and cabling services. We’ll clean out your drains so they don’t become clogged with debris, sludge, and grease.
Schedule Your Grease Trap Service Today
If you’re ready to learn more about our grease trap services, we’d love to have a detailed conversation with you. We offer rapid response trap installation and we also offer grease trap maintenance to St. Louis, MO, and surrounding areas. There’s really no reason to clog your pipes and your city’s pipes with grease when it’s possible to trap it so easily.
To request grease trap installation or other services we offer, feel free to contact us today. We look forward to helping you dispose of your used grease in a sanitary, safe, and responsible way.
The Money To Be Gained or Lost With Used Cooking Oil
For businesses with a commercial kitchen, grease trap cleaning is a part of routine kitchen cleaning and maintenance. In spite of its lowly position on the list of kitchen or company assets, this plumbing device is what keeps the sewer lines clear of clogs created by used cooking oil. Many St Louis MO business owners don’t realize the money that can be saved or lost through the way they handle their used cooking oils.
Losing Money Through Expensive Waste
For commercial kitchen owners, keeping fats oils, and grease (or FOG) out of a sanitary sewer system should be a priority given the excessive costs associated with FOG damage to sewers and pipelines. Though it would be great if business owners took a proactive approach in keeping the sewer clean, most local municipalities have ordinances or regulations in place that address the proper disposal of grease. Failing to have the proper traps installed can lead to fines and closer from the local government.
Grease traps prevent FOG from moving through a building and out into public sewer lines. In the trap, the grease is retained in water until it has cooled enough to solidify and separate out from the other waste being released. The hardened grease will float to the top, after which a grease trap cleaning can be conducted to get rid of the FOG. How often you need to call for trap services depends on how much FOG your kitchen produces. However, the costs associated with not having a grease trap or ignoring your grease trap maintenance are steep.
Rising Costs of Clogs
It isn’t just your sewer pipes that can be affected by FOG. Your business may be okay for a little while, as warm oils are a liquid that seems to flow easily down the drain. However, as the sludge continues to move through the drain and becomes cooled, the FOG will separate from the other liquids and cling to the sides of the sewer pipes, and constrict the flow of wastewater.
Overflows or backups are expensive to address and completely unsanitary, as sewage backup releases viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens into the environment. Your cleanup costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Consider the impact of lost business, a damaged reputation, and plumbing costs. Your costs could trickle down into an expense that you have to recoup from customers, adding insult to injury.
Making Money With Grease Trap Maintenance
Rather than lose money through improper disposal of FOG, partnering with Ace Grease for regular trap cleanings will give you the option to make money instead. Not only will our team respond when you realize there is a problem with your FOG build-up and need immediate help, but we also trap cleanings on a scheduled basis. By not leaving your grease disposal to chance, you are able to continue business as usual and bring in the revenue you are used to.
In addition to removing your used oils, we continue the process of making money by processing and recycling the raw material. Through this process, the materials are converted into elements used to create biodiesel fuel, spas, plastics, and even livestock feed. This allows others to profit from waste and lower the impact of waste on the earth’s environment. That’s not the best part. With Ace Grease, you will receive top dollar for the cooking oil that we pick up. We will even provide the storage collection container at no charge.
Protecting Your Community
It would be awful to drive to the local waterway and see grease floating along the bank of the river or across the top of the lake. By taking care of your grease traps and having them properly serviced, you are protecting your community from serious illnesses and preserving the natural habitat of your community wildlife. You also keep oil and grease thefts from prowling the streets at night.
With money to be made on recycled grease, many criminals will head to commercial kitchen locations to snatch whatever oil or grease they can find. Working with Ace Grease gives you peace of mind that your grease is protected. We only use state-of-the-art locking systems and have monitoring systems to reduce opportunities for theft.
If you haven’t taken action on your grease traps and they are in desperate need of cleaning, call 800-473-2733 and talk to the crew at Ace Grease today. We will get you scheduled for servicing or pick-up, though we also offer line jetting and power washing.
Make Money Disposing of Your Used Cooking Oil
For certain industries, including the restaurant industry, used cooking oil can become a big problem. If you try to send it down the drain, it will not only clog up your pipes but also contribute to clogged pipes throughout your town or city. If you dispose of it in trash bags, it can leak out and cause a mess if the bag becomes punctured.
Fortunately, there is a way to dispose of your cooking oils without clogging your sewer lines and without making unwanted messes on your floors or in your garbage receptacles. Even better, you can make money in the process! Here at Ace Grease, we pay competitive rates for the fats oils and grease you no longer want. It’s a win/win situation because we get to use the cooking oil to create useful products, and you get paid for allowing us to come to take your grease and oil away for you.
How the Process Works
Before we can pick up your used cooking oil, you first need to be able to collect it somehow. We offer grease trap services that include the installation and cleaning of one or more grease traps in your building. A grease trap can help you maintain a sanitary sewer system and makes grease collection an easy and automatic process so you don’t even have to think about it.
A grease trap is a simple contraption that collects grease and fat before they enter your drainage system. The system is called a trap because it effectively “traps” solids and greases and prevents them from escaping into sewer lines. Grease traps prevent sewer lines from becoming clogged. If you routinely pour grease and oils down your sink, you will eventually deal with sewer system issues. You’ll also deal with foul smells that come from old, corroded oils and food particles that cling to your pipes.
If your business produces fats oils and greases (also known as FOG), from food waste during the cooking, manufacturing, processing, or service processes, you need a grease trap. Fortunately, we know how to install a grease trap easily and quickly so there’s minimal interruption to your business.
Grease Trap Collection
Once your grease trap has collected enough oils and grease that it needs to be cleaned out, we’ll come to perform grease trap maintenance and cleaning for you. We’ll collect the grease and provide you with top dollar for it. Our service representatives are always courteous, quick, and clean up after themselves so you don’t have to deal with a mess once they leave.
Once we provide you with grease trap cleaning services, we take the oils and grease and put them through a comprehensive cleaning process. The recycled FOG is then turned into usable products. Most of these products are used in the biodiesel industry and help to keep the economy fueled (literally) and running strong. Some of the recycled FOG products are also used to create livestock feed, plastics, and soaps.
By allowing us to pay you for your used grease, you are actually contributing to the health of the economy and preventing needless waste. Your decision is an environmentally friendly one that helps keep our world clean while contributing to important recycling goals.
Additional Services
In addition to paying you to allow us to clean out your grease traps and collect your used cooking oil, we also offer other services. They include:
- Drain and sewer line cabling. This is the process of cleaning out blocked sewer lines. We use specialized equipment to remove blockages from the most stubborn drains so your business can continue operating smoothly.
- Power washing. We offer mobile power washing services for hard-to-clean areas, such as sidewalks, parking lots, retaining walls and trash corrals.
- Waste water hauling. We perform the important service of conserving and recycling water. We’ll come collect your waste water and turn it into clean water that can be used for various purposes.
If you need any of these services, we’ll be happy to provide them as soon as we can come out to your location.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about grease traps or if you want to request a grease trap cleaning or collection service, contact us today. We look forward to working with you to keep our sewer systems clean through the important oil recycling process.
The Truth Behind Grease Traps: Are They Really Necessary?
If you own a restaurant, dining center, food manufacturing plant, or a similar establishment, you no doubt work with fats, oils, and grease on a regular basis. While these products are key to the production of delicious food, they can be harmful to the environment and to your city’s sewer system. Grease traps are one of the primary ways business owners can prevent the release of fats, oils, and grease with wastewater. Consider several questions that may help you understand the function of these gadgets and why every commercial kitchen needs one.
How Do Grease Traps Work?
The effectiveness of grease traps is based on the principle of fats, oils, and grease floating in water due to differences in density. A building’s wastewater is directed into a trap consisting of an entry point, exit point, central compartment, and sometimes a strainer. When fats, oils, and grease float to the top, they enter the central compartment. Because the top of this section does not connect to the outlet, the floating material is trapped. The strainer helps catch small solid materials so they do not settle on the floor of the trap. As the trap does its job, oil-free water leaves through the exit point to enter the sewer lines.
Why Is It Important To Trap Grease?
There are a number of reasons it is important to install a grease trap at your place of business. First, not doing so can cause major water flow issues. If the sewer lines near your building become clogged with fats, oils, and grease, dirty water could backup into your kitchen. When these products are released into a city’s sanitary sewer on a grand scale, many lines could become compromised and countless property owners could experience sewage backups.
Another important reason restaurants should be concerned about grease traps is that they are a legal requirement throughout the country, including in St. Louis, MO. Different areas have their own laws regarding the handling of fats, oils, and grease, and non-compliance can lead to serious fines. In many cases, your establishment may even need to provide documentation proving that you have been collecting your grease.
Do Grease Traps Require Maintenance?
Grease traps cannot simply be installed and then left to their own devices. Grease trap cleaning is essential for the sake of your own water drainage lines and your legal standing. This is largely because clogged traps may no longer function properly, allowing fats, oils, and grease to enter the sewer along with wastewater. Fortunately, many companies specialized in grease trap maintenance. Trap services often take place at night and can be ordered as needed or according to a particular schedule. In general, traps should be emptied monthly.
Which System Is Right for Your Business?
Not all establishments handle the same quantities of fats, oils, and grease. For this reason, it’s important to consider which trap is right for you and whether you require any additional equipment. To determine your proper trap size, be sure to consider how much wastewater food and wastewater you produce, as well as how often you are open for business.
Companies that work with cooking oils on a regular basis, such as eateries using deep fryers, may wish to invest in additional receptacles. For example, some restaurants may carry used oil outside and pour it into a designated container. For large establishments, it may be more practical to make space for indoor storage that is accessible through an outdoor pipe.
Where Does the Grease Go?
You may wonder what happens to all the fats, oils, and grease that are collected in traps. This is an important consideration, especially when it concerns larger containers dedicated to storing used cooking oil. Interestingly, these products can be used in a number of beneficial ways. For one, they are an ingredient in some soaps, as well as some types of plastic. On top of that, fats, oils, and grease can be used to make food for livestock and even develop biodiesel.
Grease traps and related systems play an important role in minimizing the environmental impact of large food production establishments. At Ace Grease, we are eager to partner with businesses like yours to recycle fats, oils, and grease affordably and efficiently.
Learn more about our services online or call us today at 1-800-473-2733.
The Importance of Recycling Cooking Oil and Keeping Your Sewer Clean
Whether you own a restaurant, hotel, food manufacturing plant, or medical center, your operation likely produces a substantial amount of used cooking oil. Restaurants alone use over 12,000 pounds of cooking oil each year. Properly collecting, storing, and recycling your oil can keep your business clean and sanitary, reduce your environmental impact and prevent sewer backups. Oil recycling services provide an array of equipment and methods for collecting your oil and keeping your sewer lines clean. The type of collection container and service that best suits your business depends on your floor plan, size, and frequency of oil use.
Exterior Oil Collection
Outside oil containers are the most common type of collection device for business owners. Cooking oils are deposited in a secure container, and when the container reaches capacity, an oil collection service empties the oil and transports it to a recycling center. After the recycling company calculates how much they collect from your business, they send you a rebate check based on the market price for oil. Recent technological innovations have enabled grease companies to anticipate when your container is ready for dumping. Recyclers use software that estimates your container’s oil level based on your daily oil usage.
Service providers offer various sizes of containers that can be locked up after closing to prevent theft. Facilities that often rely on exterior containers for cooking oil recycling include:
- Small and medium-size restaurants
- Schools
- Medical centers
- Municipalities
- Nursing Homes
Outside containers are inexpensive and simple to maintain, but workers must remain cautious when transporting hot oil from the building’s interior to an exterior location. For operations that produce a considerable volume of used oil, an interior oil collector may be safer and more cost-effective.
Interior Oil Collection
An accidental spill on the way to an outside container can result in a severe injury, costly worker’s compensation claim, and possible lawsuits. Inside containers minimize employee incidents and provide a safe and clean way to produce high yields from cooking oils. The receptacles not only store your oil but filter it so you can use it again and again. You spend less on new oil purchases and prevent the foul odors associated with exterior containers. Some of the organizations that commonly use interior containers include:
- Hospitals
- Large restaurants and franchises
- Food manufacturing facilities
- Refineries
- Penal institutions
Grease Traps
Although grease containers secure most of the used cooking oil produced in a facility, some grease escapes into the drain when greasy dishes or equipment are cleaned. Without a well-maintained grease trap, your used oil containing fats, oils, and grease can clog the sewer lines and result in an expensive call to the plumber.
Local, state, and federal regulations require all operators to dispose of used oil properly and prevent seepage into the sewer system. Wastewater contaminated with oil deposits is more challenging for water treatment plants to clean and sanitize. A grease trap keeps your sewer sanitary by collecting grease and allowing drain water to flow into the sewer system. When hot, oily water travels into the grease trap reservoir, it quickly cools down. The oils, grease, and fats float to the top of the tank, sediment sinks to the bottom, and the water runs freely into the sewer line.
Although this ingenious gravity-driven system keeps used oil from clogging your sewer, it must be adequately maintained to remain effective. Grease trap cleaning is vital to preventing grease deposit accumulation and sewer system contamination. Oil collection providers offer cleaning services that typically include scheduled maintenance programs and service call requests. A periodic grease trap cleaning is the ideal method to keep your trap clean and compliant with municipal laws.
Service contracts require a more significant initial investment than a random service call, but irregular maintenance can result in higher repair costs if the trap becomes clogged and causes a sewer backup. Most local health ordinances require owners to close their businesses if wastewater overflows into the interior. If a sewer disaster occurs on a busy Friday night in a restaurant, a forced shutdown can be devasting for business and disappointing for regular customers.
Experienced Professionals
If you’re a midwestern business owner searching for a trusted oil collection and recycling company, you can rely on Ace Grease. With over twenty years of experience, Ace offers premium oil containers, grease trap maintenance, and power washing services.
Learn How to Dispose of Used Cooking Oil the Right Way
In most American restaurants, cooking oil is a staple. French fries, fried chicken, hush puppies, and more popular foods require a deep fryer for preparation. In addition to deep-fried foods, there are a lot of uses for cooking oil. After cooking, however, what happens to your used cooking oil?
When you run a commercial kitchen, you have to dispose of all your waste properly. For example, cooking oil cannot be thrown in the garbage or drained down the sink. At Ace Grease, we are willing to help you with recycling and disposal. The following guide may help kitchens understand the importance of recycling used cooking oil.
Practicing Cooking Oil Safety Beyond the Kitchen
Commercial kitchens must practice cooking oil safety at all times. After all, hot oil can lead to third-degree burns if it touches your skin. When it’s time to dispose of your cooking oil, you or your staff should always wear protective gear. Protective gear includes:
- Full body aprons
- Gloves
- Masks
- Closed-toe shoes
Try to leave as little skin as possible exposed. In addition, shoes should always have heavy tread. Oil is not only incredibly slippery, but if you were to trip while holding oil, you could seriously harm yourself or others.
Before you dispose of cooking oils, you should make sure that the oil has had time to cool. Keep in mind that even after a cooling period, it may be hot. Never transport oil in buckets, pots, or other equipment not designed for transportation and disposal.
Recycling Cooking Oil the Right Way
When you don’t dispose of cooking oils properly, you are more at risk of causing damage to your sewer system. If you pour grease or oil down the drain, it may not seem serious because it looks and behaves like liquid as it goes down. Unfortunately, it wreaks havoc on sewer lines once down. It can block your drainage system or pollute the environment.
Grease traps may protect your sanitary sewer. All kitchens should have a grease trap that connects to the sink. When you wash dishes, fats oils and grease end up in the plumbing. However, a grease trap separates oils from the water. Essentially, the grease and oil separates from the water and float to the top of the trap. Then, the clean water continues down the drain.
When you have a grease trap, you must have it cleaned by a professional regularly. If you don’t clean it, the grease can back up and create a foul odor throughout your restaurant. Additionally, when you don’t clean the tank, sulfuric acid can build up and damage the tank. At Ace Grease, we provide grease trap services to protect the sewers and public health.
Working with professionals allows you to dispose of your used cooking oil without harming the environment. Cooking oil can be recycled in multiple ways, but the most common use for recycled oil is to create fuel for diesel engines.
Understanding the Importance of Recycling Cooking Oil
Improper disposal of used cooking oil could land your restaurant in legal trouble. There are regulatory guidelines that dictate how you can dispose of fats, oils, and grease. Additionally, when you recycle oil, you keep the oil out of the environment. Cooking oil can harm the soil and water systems. In fact, the EPA suggests that vegetable oils and animal fats can be as devastating to the environment as petroleum oil.
Recycling also lowers your risk of health problems that may arise from cooking oil. For instance, oil, fats, and grease create fumes that may harm people. Additionally, if you have a sewer blockage, sewage can back up into your restaurant and release dangerous bacteria into your business.
Giving Your Oil to the Professionals
You can’t run your restaurant without the use of cooking oil. If you want to protect your appliances and your environment, then you need to keep proper disposal in mind. Having a grease trap prevents your fats, oils and grease from entering your sewer line and causing expensive damage. At Ace Grease, we dedicate our time to excellent customer service. We can make sure that your kitchen is clean and that your cooking oil is disposed of and recycled properly.
Contact us today for grease, oil, and fat cleanup in your restaurant!
How Recycling Used Cooking Oil Benefits Your Business
Used cooking oil can cause significant damage to sewer lines and water treatment plants when it’s poured into a drain. Municipalities around the country try to educate their residents about proper oil collection to prevent sewer damage, but each year, cities and towns spend a considerable portion of their budgets on sewage repair caused by grease buildup. When you run an operation that produces large quantities of used cooking oil, you can do your part to keep your community clean and make extra money by recycling your oil. Professional grease recyclers can provide collection containers free of charge and visit your business periodically to dump and clean your grease traps. You can examine how you can collect used oil to benefit your company and protect the environment in the following passages.
Grease Trap Collection
Local governments try to minimize the amount of fat, oil, and grease entering the sewer system by enforcing regulations requiring businesses to install grease traps when producing used oil. Hospitals, restaurants, hotels, food manufacturing plants and nursing homes are some of the companies that must maintain grease traps to avoid penalties. The traps are typically located on the exterior of the business with an outlet for maintenance and cleaning.
When wastewater containing oil and fat goes down the drain, it falls into the trap’s reservoir and begins to cool down. As the temperature drops, the grease solidifies and floats to the top of the water level. Internal baffles help contain the wastewater in the tank longer for quicker cooling, and a vent pipe reduces the gas buildup and odors from the tank. This system allows the wastewater to flow freely into an outlet pipe and into the sewer.
The trap prevents grease from entering the sewer, but owners must establish a routine grease trap maintenance schedule to avoid an expensive bill from an emergency plumber. When the trap is full, a recycling technician removes the fatty deposits, pumps the trap and cleans the lines. If the trap isn’t regularly serviced, the fat can clog the pipes and cause a sewage backup in the business.
Outside Container Collection
Exterior containers are the most common and inexpensive ways to collect oil. They’re available in multiple sizes, and some models include wheels so you can move and clean the container easily. Workers usually transfer the used cooking from a smaller container or pot to the external tank. The containers are designed so you can lock the container before leaving work.
When it’s full, a technician pumps the oil and returns it to the plant for recycling. The technician gives the business owner an invoice indicating how much oil was pumped and how much it’s worth. Recycling companies pay you for the used oil based on the current market price.
Professional recyclers use enhanced software to estimate when each business requires oil collection. As a business owner, you don’t have to remember to call the recycler or make an online appointment. This automated collection process prevents overflows and minimizes the odors produced by grease and fat.
Although it seems strange, used oil theft is a significant problem worldwide. Grease thieves travel in large pickups and bring pumps, compressors and large tanks to steal used cooking oil from local businesses. Owners and recyclers lose money every year from criminal collectors.
Inside Container Collection
Although outdoor oil collectors are easy to maintain, they can be risky for careless employees. If the container is located several yards from the deep fryers, transporting the hot oil requires a slow, careful walk to the tank. Accidental splashes of hot oil can produce severe burns, but you can prevent an accident by installing interior oil collectors. Unlike exterior collectors, interior containers require a small investment.
When oil is dumped in the container, it’s run through a filter so you can reuse it. You save money on oil purchases and minimize the number of worker’s compensation claims. Storing oil with an indoor filtering system also keeps your property’s exterior cleaner and free of grease odors.
Professional Oil Collection From Ace Grease
Recycling used cooking oil reduces your environmental impact, keeps your sewer clean and generates cash. Recycling plants use the oil to produce clean-burning biodiesel. When you need professional oil collection services in the St. Louis, MO area, you can depend on Ace Grease.
How Used Cooking Oil Is Collected and Recycled
Reducing the waste in your business can lower your costs and benefit the environment. When you run a company that generates a large quantity of used cooking oil, you can use a grease recycling service to collect your grease and process it properly. Failure to dispose of fats, oils and grease correctly can damage your sewer system, temporarily shut down your operations and harm your reputation.
After establishing which types of collection methods work for your business, your grease recycler can make regular visits to collect the grease. Throughout the year, you’ll receive payments for the used oil based on the current market value. Here are some of the ways that used cooking oil is collected and recycled.
Using Interior Grease Collectors
Although most business owners rely on outside containers for grease collection, interior containers are becoming more common. Unlike an exterior container, the internal models do not require employees to carry steaming pots of oil through the building and outside for dumping. Inside containers can be installed near the fryers and other cooking equipment to make grease disposal more accessible and safer.
Transporting hot oil is a hazardous activity that can result in a severe burn if the oil is spilled or dropped. Interior containers reduce the chances of a burn and prevent production delays caused by injured workers. Compared to exterior containers, interior units save you money on supply costs. When you dump used oil in the inside collector, the unit filters the oil so you can reuse it.
Since the collectors are located in the kitchen rather than the exterior, you don’t have to worry about the foul odors that emanate from unfiltered outdoor containers. Although the interior units have several advantages over outside collectors, they require a small upfront investment.
Using Exterior Grease Collectors
Because of the minimal initial costs, more companies use exterior containers for grease collection than interior units. Grease recyclers supply the standard collection containers for free, and they dump the containers periodically to prevent spills. Outside containers are a cost-effective way to dispose of used oil, but your staff must maintain the dumping area and keep it clean.
Train your staff to clean the exterior of the containers and the surrounding area. Picking up solid waste around the units and pressure washing the pavement weekly reduces the foul smells and prevents insects and wildlife invasions.
Cleaning the Grease Trap
Most of the used cooking oil your operation generates can be dumped in collection units, but some of it slides down the drain. You can educate your team about the dangers of pouring the grease into the sewer, but you can’t control how much excess oil is washed into the pipes from the cleaning process. To prevent a plumbing disaster, business owners must install grease traps to keep food waste from entering the sewer.
If sewage backs up into your building, the resulting bill for plumbing service can be substantial. Most city ordinances require owners to shut down their operations until the problem is fixed, and the delay can disrupt your sales and disappoint your customers.
When grease enters the drain, it falls into a large reservoir and begins cooling. As the waste cools, the fats, oils and grease rise to the top, and the liquid drains into an outlet pipe leading to the sewer. Grease traps are the most effective way to maintain a sanitary sewer and prevent a plumbing backup, but the traps must be cleaned and serviced regularly. Recycling technicians service the grease traps by cleaning the sewer lines, pumping the waste in the trap and ensuring that water can flow into your drains freely.
Instead of waiting until the trap is full, you can enter a service agreement with your provider. Your recycler can estimate when the traps and containers are full and service them properly using advanced software. You don’t have to schedule appointments or worry about being put on a waiting list when you have a contract with your recycler.
How Ace Grease Can Help
When you need a qualified grease recycling service to collect your used cooking oil in the St. Louis, MO area, you can rely on Ace Grease. For over 27 years, we’ve provided our clients with grease trap maintenance, used oil pickup and line jetting and cabling. Contact us today at 800-473-2733.
Trust Your Grease Trap Maintenance to Ace
All restaurant and foodservice business owners know they need to take care of their used cooking oil. Fats, oils, and grease that go down the drain can clog sewer lines, which can cause issues with your local city leaders. No business owner wants to pay those extra fines.
Grease traps prevent sewer system clogs. In St. Louis, MO, you can count on Ace Grease to maintain your grease traps and dispose of your FOG appropriately. Take a look at the services we offer the foodservice industry.
Grease Trap Services
We can work with all sizes and types of grease traps, from a small family-owned eatery to a large institution, such as a hospital. Our grease trap cleaning services include:
- Establishing a regular cleaning schedule, as required by your municipality.
- Sending electronic reports back to you within 24 hours of service.
- Recycling used cooking oil.
Your grease trap may be inside your building, typically near or beneath the sink, or outside the building underground. As wastewater from your kitchen flows through the trap, the FOG rises and will float to the top. Any solid material sinks to the bottom. The cleaner water is now free to flow on and join the sanitary sewer.
When we perform our trap services, we can remove the grease floating there and recycle it or dispose of it, whichever is required. This grease trap maintenance is usually dictated by the regulations of your local government. We can assist you in determining what cleaning schedule will best meet your needs.
Used Cooking Oil Services
“There’s money in them there fats!” Did you know that used cooking oils, also called yellow grease, are a hot commodity? While recycling cooking oil has been an option for decades, it has dramatically increased in value in the past few years. This is largely due to the rise in demand for biofuels.
Ethanol and biodiesel are the two most common biofuels in use today. Of the two, biodiesel is the one that is made from used cooking oils, among other things. It has the advantages of being biodegradable, non-toxic, and much cleaner to burn than petroleum-based diesel fuel.
The increased production of biofuels has raised the value of yellow grease. This in turn has caused an increase in yellow grease theft. It may seem hard to fathom, but there are criminals who want to steal your used cooking oil.
Fortunately for you, Ace Grease has solutions. We can perform both inside and outside grease collection. We can collect from your existing system or provide you with durable grease storage containers at no additional cost to you. We pay you top dollar for your yellow grease. We can service any of the following:
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Refineries and manufacturing plants
- Hotels
- Penal institutions
- Municipalities
Our used oil pickup service includes routine site and container inspections. In addition, we’ll send you an account overview that tells you the amount that we collected and the amount that you were paid for your grease. We work hard to ensure that managing your FOG is the last thing you need to worry about.
Theft Prevention Services
At Ace Grease, we take the theft of used cooking oil seriously. We work with our customers and our community to prevent these thefts. We employ state-of-the-art locking and monitoring systems. We also educate customers and consumers on how to spot a grease thief. Look for the following signs:
- They arrive in an unmarked truck or a truck on which the signage is significantly worn and faded.
- They will not be dressed in uniforms.
- If approached, they may say they are subcontractors.
- They typically work in pairs.
If you notice anything suspicious, write down the license plate number and call 911. Also, call Ace Grease. We will let you know if we sent any subcontractors to your business. If there are any oil theft convictions on your property, we will donate $500 to you and $500 to Backtstoppers. We are doing our part to protect this valuable commodity.
Contact Ace Grease today to set up your grease trap cleaning schedule. We’d be honored to serve you. We can discuss FOG recycling with you and make your establishment part of the Ace Grease team.
Taking Care of Business
The proper disposal of used cooking oil is an important part of taking care of business in the foodservice industry. Improper disposal can lead to clogged sewer lines and municipal fines. Ace Grease in St Louis, MO, has solutions to help your business run at peak performance.
Clean Those Grease Traps
Would you like to avoid clogged sewer lines? Regular grease trap cleaning is crucial for maintaining an efficient kitchen and preventing grease buildup in your sewer system. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are intercepted in the grease trap where they can be removed before heading out into the public sanitary sewer system.
Smaller grease traps can be connected to sinks inside the kitchen. For large volume kitchens, the grease trap is typically installed outside and underground. It consists of two tanks that slow down the flow of the water, allowing it to cool. As it cools, the lighter FOG rises to the top while the solid food waste sinks to the bottom. The water is free to move to the second tank. Manhole covers allow for the removal of the FOG and the solid food waste.
Failure to clean out grease traps regularly can result in the following problems:
- Rancid, rotten odors. Cooking oils and other fats decompose over time and produce a foul odor that can permeate your business.
- Drain blockage. Failure to clean out the FOG and solid food waste from the grease trap can cause the wastewater to back up into the pipes.
- Tank replacement. When the FOG and food waste in your grease trap breaks down it releases sulphuric acid. This acid is corrosive and can damage the steel walls of your tank.
- Difficulty cleaning. Solid food waste collects at the bottom of the grease trap. It turns into a hard mass over time and is very difficult to remove.
- Fines. Your municipality may charge you stiff fees for failure to clean the grease trap.
Recycle Cooking Oil
Your used cooking oil can have a second life as biodiesel. Ace Grease will pick up your cooking oil and deliver it to FOG recycling centers. This is a great twofer as it keeps your business running smoothly and helps the environment.
The advantages to recycling your used cooking oil include the following:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Prevent clogs in sewer lines
- Contribute to renewable fuels
- Obey local FOG disposal ordinances
- Support the local recycling community
- Maintain a good reputation
- Make money from your waste product
Theft of used cooking oils has increased in the St. Louis, MO area as well as around the nation. Keep your oil recycling containers locked and have them secured to the ground or a wall. This is a valuable resource that needs protection.
Scheduling a regular pickup of your cooking oil is a great idea. This keeps your business clean and prevents FOG buildup. It also streamlines your operation. We can arrange to pick up used cooking oil from a variety of customers, including:
- Schools
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Prisons
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Manufacturing plants
- Refineries
- Municipalities
Clean Those Drains
It’s not enough to just clean the grease trap and recycle the cooking oils. There are other parts of your food prep areas that need attention. The drains that connect the entire waste disposal system should be cleaned regularly.
Ace Grease provides drain and sewer line cabling and jetting services. Thanks to our high-pressure water jetting equipment, we can clear your lines of FOG quickly and efficiently. By keeping a regular cleaning schedule, you can avoid unnecessary closures and downtime caused by clogged lines.
Quarterly maintenance of the lines from the sink to the grease trap, and the grease trap to the public sewer system, is typically the best option. This will keep your lines flowing and keep citations and fines from the city at bay.
Talk to Ace Grease
Do you have any questions about your grease trap, drain lines, or used cooking oil? The pros at Ace Grease can answer all your questions. We can assess your business and determine a cleaning schedule that will work for you.
Make sure your kitchen meets all local rules and regs and is running smoothly with help from Ace Grease. We’ve got you covered.
The Pros and Cons of Used Cooking Oil
Fried chicken, French fries, cheese sticks and hamburgers are just a few of the greasy foods from restaurants and foodservice establishments that satisfy the diet of the American public on a daily basis. The delicious crunch or the smokey seasoning of these foods can be irresistible, and many chefs and restaurateurs can thank heavily used cooking oil for the addicting flavor. Unfortunately, the fats oils and grease produced when cooking can lead to hazardous liabilities. This is why it’s important for St Louis MO businesses to periodically conduct grease trap maintenance and cleaning.
The Damage of Used Cooking Oil
As far as the human body is concerned, a little consumption of fats and oils is acceptable, but left unchecked, a diet full of these elements can be damaging. The longer oil is used, the more it can increase the acidity and cholesterol levels in the body. The oil becomes more carcinogenic, which is another way of saying it has a higher probability of causing cancer. Continuing to cook with these used oils may help produce a satisfying flavor, but you could be harming your patron’s long-term health. While this could be cause for unease, it’s the financial realities of cooking oil that are typically the primary concern for a business.
The Cost of Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is an expense that seems to provide little return on investment, particularly when it is thrown out at the end of its shelf-life or usage. By using cooking oils for as long as possible, it seems that your business will be able to save money. If this is your plan, you have to consider the costs associated with improper care of your cooking oil as well as the proper maintenance needed to prevent fires. In addition to the health concerns of working with used oil, there could be concerns of property damage from a fire. Kitchens are highly flammable environments, especially when grease and oil are involved.
Grease traps are used to help prevent solids and grease waste from entering a wastewater disposal system, as these substances are incredibly damaging to the environment. However, as useful as they may be for preventing damage to the exterior environment, build-up in the traps and any overflow from these traps or sewer lines can increase the risk of a fire within the kitchen or building. With a low flash point, cooking oil is flammable and dangerous. When there is overflow from a grease trap or overflow from a fryer or stove, ignition can be sudden. Clogged grease traps outside of your building are equally dangerous. The liability and losses from a fire will be devastating to your business.
The Way To Approach Used Cooking Oil
Rather than worry about the cost of replacing your cooking oil more frequently or increasing the limits on your insurance policy to account for fire risks, take a look at what Ace Grease can do for your business. Not only can grease trap cleaning and cleaning out the sewer lines prevent the backup or overflow of used oil and prevent a costly fire, but you can also take the used oil and turn it into money for your business. Since it is critical that your company properly dispose of its used oil, there is considerable value in selling your used oil to be recycled. In this way, you both reduce the costs of liabilities with the oil and earn money in the process.
Biodiesel fuel is a growing need, and it is quite profitable to recycle your old cooking oil to be converted for this purpose. Collection times will be scheduled to remove the used oil from your property, and you receive top-dollar for what Ace Grease removes. You can use your own storage container, or if you prefer, use one of ours. Grease theft is a concern, making a secure, durable container critical to the success of recycling your used oil for a hefty rebate.
Make the Call
Whether you want to ensure a clean sewer system or you want regular cleaning and grease trap services, make the call to Ace Grease today. Full-service grease trap cleaning used oil pickup or line jetting and cabling are all services we deliver with professionalism and efficiency. Contact our office at 800-473-2733 to get your business on the schedule.
What To Do With Used Cooking Oil
Whether you use cooking oils in a restaurant or industrial kitchen — or for cooking on a smaller scale at home — you need to deal with the problem of leftover grease and the question: What should you do with used cooking oil?
First of all, let’s talk about why used cooking oil can be such a big problem. When grease goes down the drain and doesn’t get filtered out in any way, it can create clogs and cause serious issues in your pipes and the sewer system. If it gets bad enough, a professional will need to remove the clog, which not only can cause disruption to your business but also result in hefty expenses.
Fortunately, there are some responsible ways to dispose of cooking oil in St. Louis, MO, that not only prevent it from ending up as a clog in the sewer drain but also allow it to be recycled for another purpose.
1. Save and Reuse
A good way to prevent cooking oil from going down the drain is to save it and use it again for another purpose. For example, used bacon grease is excellent for cooking grilled sandwiches or fried eggs. Be sure to remove any solid pieces from the grease and let it cool; then you can store it in a glass or plastic container in your fridge or freezer until needed again.
2. Dispose Responsibly
One way to dispose of use cooking oil is to simply put it in the trash. However, there is a certain way to do it to keep the grease contained and to prevent spills. Most importantly, never pour grease — even if it’s in a liquid form — down the drain since it can adhere to sewer pipes and cause clogs. To dispose of your used cooking oil, collect it in a container and make sure it is cooled off first. When cooled, carefully transfer it to your food waste container. Many locations also offer hazardous waste drop-off locations where you can transport and dispose of your used cooking oil at no cost.
3. Use a Grease Trap
For restaurants or industrial kitchens that handle larger amounts of cooking oils, a grease trap is often needed to separate and collect the grease that builds up. A grease trap can either be installed indoors underneath a sink or attached to a fryer or outside in an underground space.
A grease trap works by allowing water to pass through your pipes but traps solids particles, fats oils, and grease. Grease traps prevent buildup that causes clogs in sewer lines, which can turn into a huge problem if not addressed.
It’s important to make sure your grease trap is cleaned on a regular basis. In fact, many restaurants and other businesses are required by city compliance regulations to show that they are maintaining their grease traps and adhering to required standards.
4. Get Money for Your Used Cooking Oil
You can hire a grease removal company to pick up your used cooking oil and can even get paid good money for it! In fact, used cooking oil is so valuable that thieves have been known to steal and then sell it for a sizeable profit to refineries that then use it to create products such as soap or cosmetics.
Ace Grease Service provides convenient and reliable pickup services for your used cooking oils, as well as drop-off options for those who use cooking oil in their homes. We provide top-dollar for your used cooking oil and are happy to work with you to create a pickup and maintenance schedule tailored to your business, no matter the type or size.
Get Started Today
If you have any questions about how to dispose of your used cooking oils or are looking for help with grease trap cleaning or installation in St. Louis, MO, our team of professionals is ready to assist you. Ace Grease provides quality grease trap services, including cleaning, maintenance, and use cooking oil pickup. We also provide line jetting and cabling to keep your drain and pipes all the way to the city sewer line clear of debris and running smoothly.
Contact our experienced technicians today for assistance with our any of our services or to answer any questions you might have.
Choosing the Right Restaurant Grease Trap
As a restaurant owner, you understand that your business creates a lot of used cooking oils. While it would be convenient to simply pour that oil down the sink, it would create plenty of problems in your sewer system. Instead, you need to ensure that you have a well-maintained grease trap in place. Grease traps prevent fats, oils, and greases from clogging plumbing and creating odors or even bigger problems in your kitchen. The key is to find the right one for your business.
Choose the Right Size for Your Grease Trap
The size of the grease trap you choose is one of the most important factors. If your establishment only uses one or two fryers and dumps them less than once per week, then you can probably get away with using a 50-gallon lockable drum. However, if your restaurant uses three or more fryers, you’ll need a lockable metal container that holds 200-300 gallons.
There are other factors to consider when choosing the right size as well. Depending on how many different fixtures you have attached to one grease trap, you may need a second one. Too many sinks, such as the three-compartment sink, the mop sink, and the pot sink, can cause the trap to work improperly and create a backup in the sewer lines.
Your city’s local plumbing codes also factor into what size grease trap you need to purchase for your establishment. You must meet required standards, which not only determine the minimum size you need but also provide criteria for design and how your trap or traps will be installed. Keep in mind that most cities do not allow automatic dishwashers to connect to the grease trap. Instead, they must flow into the sanitary sewer.
Consider the Right Location for Your Grease Trap
The right location for your trap is one that streamlines your operations. You want a location that hides the unsightliness from customers, minimizes the potential for spills and is easy to access when you need to perform grease trap maintenance. You’ll also want to consider which door your kitchen staff uses to dump used cooking oil. The shorter the path to the grease trap, the less likely there will be a spill.
Most of the time, the best place to put a grease trap is in the corral where the restaurant’s dumpster is. If you don’t have enough for a larger container, consider whether a 100-gallon container would work for your establishment. These smaller containers have an additional benefit in that they are smaller and easier to lift, making them safer for your employees to use. Of course, smaller containers also mean that you need to hire people to perform grease trap services more often, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons of using a smaller one.
Know What Your Indoor Options Are
Sometimes, a restaurant doesn’t have enough space outside, so the leftover fats, oils, and grease must be stored in an indoor trap. Indoor traps may attach to plumbing or be freestanding, and there are several size configurations for you to choose from. If you have a three-compartment sink in your establishment, you can fit one or two 35-gallon drums on wheels. You might also consider a single 55-gallon wheeled container. They have a rectangular shape that fits better under a sink and doesn’t create as much dead space. If your restaurant is pumping out more than 200 gallons of used cooking oil per month, then you’ll want to consider an enclosed tank. These units can hold up to 240 gallons and are plumbed to pump the cooking oil into them.
Look at Your Budget
Before making any final decisions, it’s important to look at your budget. Small outdoor grease traps can be purchased for as little as a few hundred dollars, making them a viable option for businesses that are just starting out looking to save money. On the other hand, indoor grease traps can cost upwards of $9,000, making them a better option for established businesses that bring in strong profits every month.
Maintaining your grease trap is necessary to ensure it remains in good working order. Ace Grease Services provides professional grease trap cleaning in St. Louis, MO, and the surrounding areas. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.
Expert Services for Used Cooking Oil Collection
Used cooking oil used to be considered a nuisance for restaurants and other facilities. The old grease was often tossed into an empty area or dumped into the trash; in the worst scenario, people once poured grease down the drain creating a catastrophe for sewer lines. Now, stringent environmental regulations and laws govern the disposal of used cooking oil. Since this liquid gold can be repurposed, facilities are now paid for their waste. Learn more about what happens to used cooking oil and who to call in St. Louis, MO, and surrounding areas for expert oil removal services.
What Is a Grease Trap?
Restaurants have utilized grease traps since the regulation of used cooking oils began. Older grease traps can be found as part of the drainage system attached to the sewer line. They are located in exterior features of the building, on the outside of the water lines, or in underground flow traps. You may have come across a grease trap that looked like a large white plastic X on the ground that can be used to access the interior lines to remove grease or debris.
What Is the Purpose of a Grease Trap?
Grease traps work by filtering out the cooking fats, oils, and grease that float to the top of the wastewater to provide sanitary sewer drainage without blockage. Many operations can be shut down indefinitely when sewer lines back up in any capacity into the building. Thankfully, traps also prevent oils and grease from clogging the sewer lines and causing backup into the facilities. For restaurants, any blockage that leads to a jam inside the building can result in a failed Health Department inspection, suspension, and possible closure. For some restaurants, being closed for an extended period is enough revenue lost to prevent them from being able to open again.
How Do You Maintain a Grease Trap?
Grease floating to the top of the water and being filtered out by the grease trap before entering the sewer system seems like a win-win situation. However, sometimes older systems are faulty and drains clog more quickly than expected. Grease trap maintenance is necessary for frequent clogs, if not in addition to sometimes entirely reworking the trap system. Line jetting and cabling is one way to provide grease trap cleaning that will unclog lines and create a clear flow of wastewater again.
How Can You Prevent Clogs in a Grease Trap?
Grease trap services aren’t only for when something goes wrong. When professional drivers pick up the used cooking oil, they can run the jets through the lines to ensure that they have all of the payload. In other instances, they may only pick up your grease bins with built-in filters to provide more efficient trapping of cooking oils. Free-standing grease bins allow an individual to change grease bins, which is helpful for staffing purposes.
Should You Monitor Your Used Cooking Oil?
Expert services for used cooking oil also entail reward systems for oil thieves. Our state-of-the-art locking systems prevent a significant amount of theft because thieves cannot access the oil. However, while it seems like a ridiculous supposition, there are some oil raiders out in the world that seek to swipe the liquid gold from its rightful path on the way to recycling.
What Should You Do If You Suspect an Oil Thief?
We believe that monitoring your oil is so important that we’ll donate $500 to you and $500 to Backstoppers to prevent oil theft and stop thieves for good. It can be challenging to tell the difference between the real thing and thieves, so we recommend the following actions:
- Never attempt to approach a thief about their activities for your safety
- Be on the lookout for unmarked trucks and no uniforms
- Ace Grease has one truck operator, and thieves will typically have two
- Contact us immediately at 1(800)473-2733 to confirm if they’re a subcontractor
- If you suspect an oil thief, get footage and a license plate number and call authorities
Recycling used cooking oil is not only the right thing to do, but it also satisfies environmental regulations and laws and keeps you in compliance. You can rest assured that maintenance and service is just a phone call away when you need it most. If you generate used cooking oil in your facility, contact ACE Grease for high-dollar returns and accessible oil collection.
Ace Grease: Revolutionizing Used Cooking Oil Management in St. Louis, MO
In the vibrant culinary scene of St. Louis, MO, where kitchens buzz with activity, managing used cooking oil is a challenge that can’t be ignored. Ace Grease, a leader in sustainable environmental services, is transforming how businesses handle their used cooking oils, turning what was once waste into valuable resources, while ensuring the integrity of sewer lines and systems.
The Importance of Proper Disposal of Cooking Oils
Cooking oils and grease, if not disposed of correctly, can lead to significant issues within the sewer system. When fats, oils, and grease (commonly referred to as FOG) are washed down the sink, they can solidify within sewer lines, causing blockages and backups. These blockages can lead to costly repairs for businesses and severe damage to the municipal sanitary sewer infrastructure.
How Grease Traps Work
Grease traps are a vital component in preventing these issues. Installed within the drainage system of commercial kitchens, they act as a barrier for fats, oils, and grease, allowing wastewater to pass while trapping the FOG. As grease floats to the top, these devices separate it from the water, preventing it from entering the sewer lines. Regular grease trap cleaning and maintenance are crucial in ensuring these systems operate effectively.
Ace Grease’s Comprehensive Grease Trap Services
At Ace Grease, we specialize in grease trap cleaning and maintenance services tailored to the needs of businesses in the St. Louis area. Our expertise ensures that grease traps function optimally, preventing FOG from entering the sewer system. With regular maintenance, we help businesses avoid the hassles of clogged pipes and potential fines from regulatory bodies for non-compliance with sanitary sewer guidelines.
Sustainable Solutions for Used Cooking Oil
Beyond grease trap services, Ace Grease offers an innovative approach to managing used cooking oil. We provide businesses with an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their cooking oils. Through our collection services, used cooking oil is repurposed into biodiesel, animal feed, and other sustainable products. This not only helps businesses in St. Louis MO manage their waste responsibly but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable planet.
Why Choose Ace Grease?
Choosing Ace Grease means partnering with a company that understands the intricacies of grease trap maintenance and the importance of sustainable practices. Our comprehensive services, from grease trap cleaning to used cooking oil collection, are designed to keep your operations running smoothly while contributing to environmental sustainability. Our team of experts ensures that your business complies with all regulations, protecting your infrastructure and the community’s sewer systems from the adverse effects of improperly managed FOG.
In St. Louis, MO, where the culinary industry is a significant part of the city’s charm, managing waste products like used cooking oil is essential. Ace Grease provides the solutions businesses need to tackle this challenge effectively. With our commitment to excellence, innovative services, and dedication to sustainability, we’re not just managing waste; we’re protecting our community and the environment for future generations.
Join the ranks of responsible businesses in St. Louis, MO, that trust Ace Grease for their grease trap and used cooking oil management needs. Together, we can ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for the culinary industry and beyond.
Ace Grease’s mission extends far beyond the boundaries of traditional waste management. In a city as culinary-rich and environmentally conscious as St. Louis, MO, the role of responsibly handling used cooking oil takes on a new level of importance. Our innovative approach not only addresses the immediate needs of businesses but also contributes to a larger vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Protecting St. Louis Sewer Lines from Grease Build-up
One of the most pressing issues facing the sewer infrastructure in urban areas like St. Louis is the accumulation of fats, oils, and grease in the sewer lines. These substances, when washed down the drain, cool and solidify, leading to blockages that can disrupt the entire sewer system. The consequences of such blockages are far-reaching, affecting not just individual businesses but the entire community through sewer overflows and environmental pollution.
Ace Grease’s grease trap services are a critical frontline defense against this threat. By ensuring that grease traps are regularly cleaned and maintained, we prevent grease from ever reaching the sewer lines. This proactive approach safeguards the city’s sewer infrastructure, ensuring that it remains functional and efficient, and reduces the risk of environmental damage caused by sewer overflows.
Turning Waste into Resources
The journey of used cooking oil from a kitchen waste product to a valuable resource exemplifies Ace Grease’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Through our collection services, we transform this “waste” into biodiesel, a clean-burning alternative fuel that powers vehicles and machinery, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. This not only provides a sustainable use for used cooking oil but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Additionally, the used cooking oil collected by Ace Grease is also processed into products for animal feed, providing a nutritious and sustainable food source for livestock. This not only diverts waste from landfills and sewer systems but also supports the agricultural industry, creating a circular economy where nothing is wasted.
A Partner in Sustainability for St. Louis Businesses
For businesses in the St. Louis area, partnering with Ace Grease means more than just managing waste; it’s a step towards embracing sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our comprehensive services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each business, ensuring that managing used cooking oil and grease trap maintenance is seamless and hassle-free.
Ace Grease’s expertise and commitment to customer service have made us a trusted partner for businesses across St. Louis, MO. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of service, from timely collections to expert grease trap maintenance, ensuring that businesses can focus on what they do best while contributing to a healthier planet.
Looking to the Future
As we look towards the future, Ace Grease remains committed to leading the way in sustainable waste management solutions for the St. Louis area and beyond. Our vision is one of a world where every business plays a part in protecting the environment, and we are dedicated to making that vision a reality through our services and initiatives.
In a city celebrated for its culinary delights, Ace Grease is proud to play a role in sustaining the environment that makes such a vibrant food scene possible. By choosing Ace Grease, businesses in St. Louis, MO, are not just complying with regulations or keeping their operations running smoothly; they’re taking an active role in creating a sustainable future for the next generation. Join us in our mission to turn waste into resources and keep St. Louis beautiful and thriving for years to come.
Choosing Ace Grease as your partner in managing used cooking oil and grease trap maintenance comes with a wealth of benefits that stem from our deep commitment to excellence, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. With over 27 years of experience in the industry, we have honed our services to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the Midwest, positioning ourselves as a leader in the field of environmental services.
Decades of Dedicated Service
Our journey began over 27 years ago, with a vision to provide comprehensive waste management solutions that not only serve the needs of businesses but also contribute positively to the environment. Through the years, Ace Grease has remained steadfast in our commitment to this vision, constantly evolving our services to incorporate the latest technologies and best practices in the industry. Our longevity in the business is a testament to our reliability, expertise, and the trust we have built with our clients across the Midwest.
Expertise That Spans the Midwest
Servicing a wide region such as the Midwest requires not just extensive knowledge of environmental and waste management regulations, but also an understanding of the unique needs of businesses operating in this diverse area. From bustling metropolitan areas to rural communities, Ace Grease has tailored our services to ensure that businesses, regardless of size or location, have access to top-tier waste management solutions. Our extensive network across the Midwest allows us to provide prompt, reliable service to our clients, ensuring that their waste management needs are met with efficiency and professionalism.
Why Choose Ace Grease?
Experience and Expertise: With over two decades of service, Ace Grease brings a level of expertise that is unmatched in the industry. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide solutions that are not only effective but also compliant with all regulatory standards.
Commitment to Sustainability: We believe in turning waste into resources. Our innovative approach to managing used cooking oil contributes to environmental sustainability by repurposing it into biodiesel and other products, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Comprehensive Service Offering: From grease trap cleaning to used cooking oil collection, Ace Grease provides a one-stop solution for all your waste management needs. Our services are designed to be seamless, hassle-free, and tailored to the specific requirements of your business.
Unparalleled Customer Service: At Ace Grease, we value our relationships with our clients. Our dedication to providing exceptional service is evident in every interaction, ensuring that your business receives the support it needs to thrive.
Wide Regional Coverage: Our extensive coverage across the Midwest ensures that your business, regardless of its location, can benefit from our services. Our fleet is ready to provide timely collections and maintenance, keeping your operations running smoothly.
For businesses in the St. Louis area and throughout the Midwest, Ace Grease is not just a service provider; we are a partner in achieving your sustainability goals and ensuring the smooth operation of your business. With over 27 years in the business, our track record speaks for itself. Choose Ace Grease for a cleaner, greener future.
Maximizing the Value of Used Cooking Oil with Ace Grease Service
In the bustling kitchens of restaurants, hotels, and catering services, cooking oil is a vital component that sees extensive use. However, once its culinary life is over, used cooking oil (UCO) often poses a disposal challenge. Instead of viewing used cooking oil as waste, it can be seen as a valuable resource when managed correctly. Ace Grease Service specializes in the collection and recycling of used cooking oil, transforming a potential problem into an opportunity for sustainability and profit. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the benefits, processes, and services associated with used cooking oil management.
The Importance of Proper Used Cooking Oil Management
Environmental Benefits
Used cooking oil, if disposed of improperly, can have significant negative environmental impacts. Pouring UCO down the drain can lead to clogged pipes and sewer systems, causing expensive repairs and environmental damage. Additionally, when used cooking oil ends up in landfills, it can contribute to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling UCO helps mitigate these environmental issues by converting waste into valuable products.
Economic Advantages
Restaurants and food service establishments generate a substantial amount of used cooking oil. By partnering with a reputable service like Ace Grease Service, businesses can turn this waste into a revenue stream. Many recycling services pay for used cooking oil, providing an additional source of income. Moreover, proper UCO management reduces disposal costs and potential fines associated with improper disposal.
Compliance with Regulations
In many regions, regulations govern the disposal of used cooking oil to protect the environment and public health. Partnering with a professional service ensures compliance with these regulations, helping businesses avoid legal issues and penalties. Ace Grease Service stays abreast of all local and federal regulations to ensure that their clients remain compliant.
The Recycling Process of Used Cooking Oil
Collection
The first step in the recycling process is the collection of used cooking oil. Ace Grease Service provides convenient and efficient collection services tailored to the needs of each client. They offer specialized containers that are easy to use and designed to prevent spills and leaks. These containers are picked up on a regular schedule or as needed, ensuring that clients always have a safe and efficient means of storing their used cooking oil.
Transportation
Once collected, the used cooking oil is transported to a processing facility. Ace Grease Service employs a fleet of specialized vehicles equipped to handle large volumes of UCO safely and efficiently. These vehicles are designed to prevent contamination and spills during transportation, ensuring that the oil arrives at the facility in optimal condition for recycling.
Processing
At the processing facility, the used cooking oil undergoes several stages of treatment to remove impurities and prepare it for recycling. The oil is filtered to remove food particles and other contaminants. It is then subjected to various refining processes, which can include centrifugation, settling, and chemical treatments, to produce a clean and usable product.
Cutting-Edge UCO Equipment
Ace Grease Service utilizes state-of-the-art equipment to streamline the collection and recycling of used cooking oil. Their advanced UCO containers and automated systems ensure safe, efficient, and hygienic handling of used cooking oil. These innovations not only make the recycling process easier but also minimize environmental impact and operational disruptions for businesses. With Ace Grease Service’s top-notch equipment, managing used cooking oil becomes a seamless part of your business operations.
Benefits of Professional Collection Systems
Implementing professional used cooking oil collection systems offers numerous advantages. Ace Grease Service provides robust UCO tanks and automated collection solutions tailored to fit the specific needs of your establishment. These systems ensure that UCO is stored securely and collected efficiently, reducing the risk of spills and contamination. By utilizing Ace Grease Service’s professional collection systems, businesses can maintain a cleaner and more environmentally friendly operation while focusing on their core activities.
Why Choose Ace Grease Service for Used Cooking Oil Management?
Expertise and Experience
With years of experience in the industry, Ace Grease Service has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with used cooking oil management. Their team of experts is knowledgeable about the latest technologies and best practices in UCO recycling, ensuring that clients receive top-notch service and support.
Comprehensive Services
Ace Grease Service offers a full suite of services to meet all your used cooking oil management needs. From collection and transportation to processing and recycling, they handle every step of the process. This comprehensive approach ensures a seamless and efficient experience for clients.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Ace Grease Service’s mission. By promoting the recycling of used cooking oil, they help reduce environmental impact and support the transition to renewable resources. Partnering with Ace Grease Service is not just good for business; it’s good for the planet.
Customized Solutions
Ace Grease Service understands that every business is unique. They work closely with clients to develop customized solutions that meet their specific needs and goals. Whether you run a small restaurant or a large foodservice operation, Ace Grease Service can tailor their services to fit your requirements.
Reliable and Efficient
Reliability and efficiency are hallmarks of Ace Grease Service. They pride themselves on providing timely and dependable service, ensuring that clients’ used cooking oil is collected and processed without any hassle. Their state-of-the-art equipment and processes guarantee that the recycling operation runs smoothly and effectively.
How to Get Started with Ace Grease Service
Initial Consultation
During our first visit, our team will assess your used cooking oil management needs and develop a plan tailored to your business. This consultation is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the benefits of UCO recycling and how Ace Grease Service can help you achieve your sustainability goals.
Implementation
Once a plan is in place, Ace Grease Service will provide all the necessary equipment and training to get you started. They offer user-friendly containers for storing used cooking oil and detailed instructions on how to handle and store UCO safely. Their team will also work with you to establish a collection schedule that fits your operations.
Ongoing Support
Ace Grease Service is committed to providing ongoing support to ensure the success of your used cooking oil management program. Their team is always available to answer questions, address concerns, and make adjustments to your service as needed. With Ace Grease Service, you have a reliable partner dedicated to helping you manage your used cooking oil efficiently and sustainably.
The Future of Used Cooking Oil Recycling
As the demand for renewable resources continues to grow, the importance of recycling used cooking oil will only increase. Innovations in technology and processes are making it easier and more cost-effective to convert UCO into valuable products. By partnering with Ace Grease Service, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Increased Focus on Circular Economy
The concept of a circular economy, where waste is minimized and resources are continuously reused, is gaining traction worldwide. Used cooking oil recycling is a prime example of circular economy principles in action. By transforming waste into valuable products, businesses can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
Used cooking oil is far from being mere waste; it is a valuable resource that, when managed correctly, can provide significant environmental, economic, and regulatory benefits. Ace Grease Service offers comprehensive and reliable used cooking oil management services in St. Louis, helping businesses turn their waste into a resource. By choosing Ace Grease Service, you can ensure the proper collection, transportation, and recycling of your used cooking oil, contributing to sustainability and reaping economic rewards.
Whether you’re a small restaurant or a large-scale food operation, Ace Grease Service is your trusted partner in managing used cooking oil efficiently and sustainably. Embrace the benefits of professional used cooking oil recycling and make a positive impact on both your business and the environment. Contact Ace Grease Service to start your journey towards a greener future.
Community and Environmental Commitment
Ace Grease Service is not just committed to providing exceptional service to their clients but also to making a positive impact on the community and the environment. They actively participate in local initiatives and support programs that promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. By choosing Ace Grease Service, you are aligning your business with a company that values community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Testimonials and Success Stories
Many businesses in St. Louis have already benefited from partnering with Ace Grease Service. Their testimonials and success stories highlight the effectiveness and reliability of their services. Clients often praise Ace Grease Service for their professionalism, promptness, and the significant improvements in waste management and sustainability practices. By reading these success stories, you can gain insights into how Ace Grease Service can make a difference for your business.
Contact Ace Grease Service Today
Don’t let used cooking oil become a burden for your business. Reach out to Ace Grease Service and discover how easy and beneficial used cooking oil recycling can be. Their team is ready to provide the expertise, equipment, and support you need to implement an efficient and sustainable UCO management program. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the first step towards a greener, more sustainable business operation.
The Importance of Proper Disposal and Management of Used Cooking Oil
In the bustling kitchens of restaurants, cafeterias, and even homes across St. Louis, MO, used cooking oil is a common byproduct of preparing delicious meals. However, improper disposal of this oil can lead to severe issues for sewer lines and the overall sewer system. Ace Grease Service, a leader in grease trap cleaning and maintenance, provides essential services to ensure that used cooking oil is managed responsibly, preventing environmental and infrastructural damage.
Understanding Used Cooking Oil
Used cooking oil, often discarded after frying or cooking, contains various fats, oils, and grease (FOG). These substances are notorious for causing blockages in sewer lines, leading to costly repairs and potential environmental hazards. Proper management and disposal of used cooking oil are crucial to maintaining the integrity of our sanitary sewer systems and ensuring a clean and safe environment.
The Role of Grease Traps
What are Grease Traps?
Grease traps are essential devices installed in commercial kitchens to intercept FOG before they enter the sewer system. These traps capture and retain FOG, allowing only water to pass through, thus preventing sewer blockages and backups.
How Grease Traps Work
As wastewater from sinks and dishwashers flows into the grease trap, the FOG in the water floats to the top due to its lower density. The grease trap then separates the FOG from the water, collecting it in a designated chamber. This process ensures that only clean water is discharged into the sewer lines.
The Importance of Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular Cleaning
Grease trap cleaning is a vital service provided by Ace Grease Service to prevent the buildup of FOG in the traps. Regular cleaning ensures that grease traps function efficiently, reducing the risk of overflow and sewer blockages. Neglecting grease trap maintenance can lead to severe consequences, including unpleasant odors, health hazards, and costly fines.
Preventive Maintenance
In addition to regular cleaning, preventive maintenance is essential for the longevity and effectiveness of grease traps. Ace Grease Service offers comprehensive grease trap maintenance programs to keep your traps in optimal condition. These programs include scheduled inspections, cleaning, and repairs to prevent any potential issues before they become major problems.
The Environmental Impact of Improper Disposal
Improper disposal of used cooking oil can have a significant environmental impact. When FOG enters the sewer system, it can cause blockages that lead to sewer overflows. These overflows can contaminate local waterways, harming aquatic life and polluting the environment. Moreover, improperly disposed of cooking oils can contribute to the formation of fatbergs—large masses of solidified FOG that can clog entire sewer systems.
Ace Grease Service: Your Partner in Responsible Oil Management
Used Cooking Oil Pickup
Ace Grease Service provides efficient used cooking oil pickup services to ensure that your kitchen remains clean and compliant with environmental regulations. Our professional team collects and transports used cooking oil to processing facilities where it can be recycled and repurposed, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Trap Services
In addition to oil pickup, Ace Grease Service offers comprehensive trap services, including installation, cleaning, and maintenance. Our experienced technicians are equipped to handle all types of grease traps, ensuring that your kitchen remains free from FOG-related issues.
Customized Solutions
Ace Grease Service understands that each kitchen has unique needs. They offer customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring that you receive the best possible service. Whether you run a small café or a large restaurant chain, Ace Grease Service has the expertise and resources to manage your used cooking oil and grease trap needs effectively.
Benefits of Professional Grease Management
Compliance with Regulations
Local and federal regulations mandate the proper disposal of used cooking oil and grease trap maintenance. Ace Grease Service ensures that your kitchen complies with all relevant laws, helping you avoid fines and legal issues.
Enhanced Kitchen Efficiency
Regular grease trap cleaning and maintenance prevent blockages and backups, ensuring that your kitchen operations run smoothly. This enhances efficiency and reduces downtime, allowing you to focus on serving your customers.
Cost Savings
Investing in professional grease management services can save you money in the long run. By preventing sewer blockages and maintaining your grease traps, you avoid costly repairs and potential fines associated with improper disposal.
Why Choose Ace Grease Service?
Expertise and Experience
With years of experience in the industry, Ace Grease Service has the expertise and knowledge to handle all aspects of used cooking oil management and grease trap maintenance. Our team of professionals is trained to provide high-quality services tailored to your needs.
Commitment to Sustainability
Ace Grease Service is committed to promoting sustainability through responsible oil management. They recycle used cooking oil and ensure that it is repurposed in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing waste and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Customer-Centric Approach
At Ace Grease Service, customer satisfaction is a top priority. We work closely with clients to understand their needs and provide personalized solutions that meet their specific requirements. Our dedication to exceptional service has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in grease management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should grease traps be cleaned?
Grease traps should be cleaned regularly to ensure they function effectively. The frequency of cleaning depends on the volume of FOG your kitchen generates. Ace Grease Service can help you determine the optimal cleaning schedule based on your specific needs.
What happens to the used cooking oil collected by Ace Grease Service?
Used cooking oil collected by Ace Grease Service is transported to processing facilities where it is recycled and repurposed. This helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.
Can Ace Grease Service handle large-scale operations?
Yes, Ace Grease Service has the resources and expertise to manage grease trap maintenance and used cooking oil pickup for large-scale operations, including restaurant chains and industrial kitchens.
Proper disposal and management of used cooking oil are crucial for maintaining the integrity of our sewer systems and protecting the environment. Ace Grease Service offers comprehensive solutions, including grease trap cleaning, maintenance, and used cooking oil pickup, to ensure that your kitchen remains efficient, compliant, and sustainable. By partnering with Ace Grease Service, you can focus on what you do best—cooking delicious meals—while they take care of the rest.
The Process of Recycling Used Cooking Oil
Recycling used cooking oil is a critical component of Ace Grease Service’s mission to promote sustainability. The process begins with the collection of used cooking oil from various establishments, which is then transported to specialized facilities for recycling. Here’s a closer look at how this process works:
Collection and Transportation
Ace Grease Service uses specialized containers and vehicles to collect used cooking oil from restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. These containers are designed to prevent spills and leaks, ensuring safe and efficient transportation to recycling facilities.
Filtration and Purification
Once the used cooking oil arrives at the recycling facility, it undergoes a thorough filtration process to remove any food particles and impurities. This purification step is crucial to prepare the oil for further processing and conversion into useful products.
Conversion to Biodiesel
One of the primary uses for recycled cooking oil is the production of biodiesel. The purified oil is processed through a series of chemical reactions, including transesterification, to produce biodiesel. This renewable fuel can be used in diesel engines, providing a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Other Applications
In addition to biodiesel, recycled cooking oil can be used in various other applications. It can be converted into industrial lubricants, animal feed, and even as an ingredient in certain consumer products. By finding new uses for used cooking oil, Ace Grease Service helps reduce waste and support a circular economy.
Innovative Solutions for Grease Trap Management
Ace Grease Service continually invests in innovative solutions to enhance grease trap management and ensure optimal performance. Here are some of the cutting-edge technologies and practices they employ:
Monitoring Systems
To improve grease trap maintenance, Ace Grease Service utilizes monitoring systems that provide real-time data on trap performance. These systems can detect when a grease trap is nearing capacity, alerting technicians to schedule a cleaning before any issues arise. This proactive approach helps prevent overflows and keeps kitchens running smoothly.
Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Agents
In our commitment to sustainability, Ace Grease Service uses environmentally friendly cleaning agents for grease trap maintenance. These biodegradable products effectively break down FOG without harming the environment, ensuring a safe and efficient cleaning process.
Advanced Pumping Equipment
Ace Grease Service employs advanced pumping equipment to ensure thorough and efficient grease trap cleaning.Our high-powered pumps can remove even the most stubborn grease deposits, restoring traps to optimal functionality and preventing future blockages.
Educating Clients on Best Practices
Ace Grease Service believes that educating clients on best practices for managing used cooking oil and grease traps is essential for long-term success. They offer training and resources to help clients understand the importance of proper disposal and maintenance. Here are some key tips they provide:
Proper Disposal Techniques
Clients are advised to avoid pouring used cooking oil down the drain, as this can lead to blockages and sewer backups. Instead, they should collect the oil in designated containers for pickup and recycling by Ace Grease Service.
Regular Maintenance Schedules
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule is crucial for keeping grease traps in good condition. Ace Grease Service works with clients to determine the optimal frequency for cleaning and inspections based on their specific needs.
Reducing FOG at the Source
Clients are encouraged to implement practices that reduce the amount of FOG entering their grease traps. This includes scraping food waste into trash bins before washing dishes and using strainers to catch larger particles.
Ace Grease Service is more than just a provider of grease trap cleaning and used cooking oil recycling; they are a trusted partner in promoting sustainability and protecting our environment. By leveraging innovative technologies, educating clients, and engaging in community outreach, Ace Grease Service sets the standard for responsible grease management. With our comprehensive solutions, businesses in St. Louis, MO, and beyond can operate efficiently while contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable world.
The Value of Proper Disposal and Recycling of Used Cooking Oil
In the busy kitchens of restaurants, cafeterias, and food processing facilities, used cooking oil is an unavoidable byproduct of meal preparation. While used cooking oil may appear to be a simple waste product, if not handled properly, it can cause serious problems. Ace Grease specializes in the proper collection, recycling, and disposal of used cooking oil, ensuring that your kitchen is clean, efficient, and environmentally compliant. Let’s look at why it’s important to properly manage used cooking oil and how our services can help.
Why Proper Disposal of Used Cooking Oil is Important.
When used cooking oil is not properly disposed of, it can pose a serious environmental risk. Used cooking oil, when poured down drains or into the sanitary sewer system, can solidify and cause severe blockages in sewer lines. These blockages frequently require costly repairs and can cause raw sewage to back up into kitchens, bathrooms, and even streets—a nightmare scenario for any business.
When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) enter the sewer system, they cool and solidify, resulting in “greasebergs” or fatbergs. These large, solid masses can clog sewer lines and pipes, causing environmental damage and significant costs for both businesses and municipalities. The problem is especially prevalent in St. Louis, MO, so local businesses must practice responsible used cooking oil management.
The Function of Grease Traps in Managing Used Cooking Oil
Grease traps are one of the most effective ways to keep used cooking oil from clogging your plumbing and local sewer system. Grease traps are devices installed in commercial kitchen plumbing to capture FOG before it enters sewer lines. As water flows through the trap, the grease rises to the surface, allowing cleaner water to flow down the drain.
However, grease traps are only effective if they are well-maintained. Over time, trapped grease accumulates, reducing the trap’s efficiency and potentially causing overflows or backups. That’s why regular grease trap cleaning is critical for keeping your kitchen running smoothly.
The Value of Regular Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance
At Ace Grease, we understand how important grease trap maintenance is for the overall health of your plumbing system. Regular grease trap cleaning prevents the buildup of fats, oils, and grease, ensuring that your traps work properly and efficiently. Without regular maintenance, trapped grease can solidify and become difficult to remove, increasing the likelihood of costly backups and foul odors in your kitchen and dining areas.
Our comprehensive trap services include regular cleaning and maintenance to keep your grease traps in top condition. We provide tailored maintenance plans to meet the specific needs of your business, whether you run a small café or a large industrial kitchen in St. Louis, MO. Our technicians are trained to handle all types of grease traps, ensuring that your system meets local regulations and operates at peak efficiency.
How Used Cooking Oil is Recycled
Rather than viewing used cooking oil as a waste, it is time to consider it a valuable resource. Ace Grease collects used cooking oil from businesses in St. Louis, Missouri, and transports it to our recycling facilities. The oil is refined to remove impurities, transforming it into useful products like biodiesel, animal feed, and industrial lubricants.
Recycling used cooking oil not only benefits the environment by reducing waste and the risk of sewer line blockages, but it also allows businesses to contribute to sustainable practices. Biodiesel, for example, is a clean-burning fuel that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
How Can Ace Grease Help Your Business?
Managing used cooking oil and grease traps may not be the most glamorous aspects of running a business, but they are among the most important. Ace Grease provides a comprehensive range of services designed to make this process as simple as possible for you. From grease trap cleaning and maintenance to collecting and recycling used cooking oil, we offer comprehensive solutions to keep your kitchen safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible.
- Customised Trap Services
Every kitchen is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your business. Whether you require regular grease trap maintenance or emergency cleanings, our team is here to ensure that your traps are always in good working order.
- Environmentally Friendly Disposal.
We handle used cooking oil with great care and transport it safely to our recycling facilities. By using Ace Grease, you are not only protecting your plumbing, but also promoting environmentally friendly practices.
- Expert Technicians.
Our technicians are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in grease trap maintenance and used cooking oil management. They understand the complexities of sanitary sewer systems and how to keep your kitchen running smoothly.
- Comply with Local Regulations
Businesses in St. Louis, Missouri, must follow strict regulations for disposing of fats, oils, and grease. We assist you in remaining compliant with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and ensuring that your business operates within the law.
The Dangers of Neglecting Grease Trap Maintenance
Failure to properly maintain your grease traps can result in a variety of issues. When grease traps are neglected, fats, oils, and grease can overflow into sewer lines, causing blockages and sewer backups. These backups can cause expensive repairs, health code violations, and significant downtime for your business.
Furthermore, neglecting grease trap maintenance can cause foul odors to permeate your kitchen and dining areas, driving away customers and tarnishing your reputation. By investing in regular maintenance and cleaning, you can avoid these problems and provide a safe and pleasant environment for your employees and customers.
Used cooking oil may appear to be a minor issue in the grand scheme of running a commercial kitchen, but proper management is critical for ensuring a clean, efficient, and compliant operation. Ace Grease specializes in all aspects of used cooking oil disposal and grease trap maintenance, providing businesses in St. Louis, MO with a dependable partner for sustainable and effective waste management.
Whether you require regular trap services, emergency grease trap cleaning, or responsible used cooking oil recycling, Ace Grease has the knowledge and resources to keep your kitchen running smoothly. Contact us today to find out how we can help your company remain compliant, environmentally friendly, and operationally efficient.
The Environmental Consequences of Improper Disposal
When used cooking oil is poured down drains or improperly disposed of, it doesn’t just disappear. Instead, it can cause significant environmental damage. As the oil makes its way through the sewer system, it cools and solidifies, forming blockages that can lead to sewage overflows. These overflows can contaminate local waterways, harming wildlife and polluting the environment.
In addition to local environmental damage, improperly disposed used cooking oil contributes to larger issues, such as water contamination and increased strain on wastewater treatment facilities. These problems can be mitigated by ensuring that used cooking oil is collected and recycled rather than simply discarded.
The Financial Impact on Businesses
Ignoring proper disposal practices for used cooking oil doesn’t just harm the environment—it can also hit your bottom line. Blocked sewer lines due to accumulated fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can lead to expensive plumbing repairs and potential fines for violating local environmental regulations. In severe cases, businesses may even face temporary shutdowns while the issues are resolved, leading to lost revenue and damaged customer trust.
Regular maintenance of grease traps and responsible used cooking oil disposal are cost-effective strategies that help avoid these financial pitfalls. By keeping your plumbing system free of blockages and ensuring compliance with local laws, you can save money in the long run and protect your business from unexpected expenses.
Improving Your Business’s Sustainability
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical aspect of modern business practices. Customers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of the businesses they support, and managing your used cooking oil responsibly is an easy way to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.
By partnering with Ace Grease, your used cooking oil can be recycled into valuable products like biodiesel, which is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. This not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also positions your business as a responsible and eco-friendly choice for customers who prioritize sustainability.
Partner with Ace Grease for Reliable Service
Ace Grease offers more than just collection and recycling services—we offer peace of mind. Our expert team handles every aspect of used cooking oil management, ensuring that your business remains compliant, efficient, and environmentally responsible. With our help, you can focus on running your kitchen, knowing that your used cooking oil is being managed in the best possible way.
9 Key Benefits of Properly Managing Used Cooking Oil: A Guide for St. Louis Businesses
Used cooking oil is a byproduct that almost every foodservice establishment must deal with, whether it is a restaurant, cafeteria, or commercial kitchen. Proper disposal of used cooking oil is not only necessary for cleanliness, but it also helps to keep your sewer system and grease traps running smoothly. Mismanagement of cooking oils can cause serious plumbing and environmental problems, particularly in cities like St. Louis, MO, where waste disposal regulations are stringent. In this article, we’ll look at the top benefits of properly managing used cooking oil and why it’s important for your business.
1.Eliminates clogged sewer lines and costly repairs.
One of the most serious consequences of improper disposal of used cooking oil is the damage it can cause to your sewer system. When oil is poured down the drain, it cools and solidifies, causing blockages that can disrupt your entire plumbing system. These blockages not only clog your sewer lines, but they can also back up into your sanitary sewer, resulting in hazardous conditions and costly repairs.
Businesses in cities such as St. Louis, MO, are responsible for maintaining their plumbing systems. Avoiding costly repairs begins with properly managing your used cooking oil. Proper disposal methods, such as grease trap cleaning and trap services, keep oils out of your pipes, preventing grease floating and blockages.
2. Maintains a functional grease trap.
Grease traps are used to keep fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system. These devices work by allowing oil and grease to float to the top of the trap while water and other waste flow through. Over time, grease traps can become clogged with FOG, reducing their effectiveness and causing grease to flow into your sewer lines.
Regular grease trap maintenance is required to keep the system operating properly. Businesses in St. Louis can avoid fines and compliance issues by scheduling regular grease trap cleanings and ensuring that no harmful waste enters the sewer system. Failure to maintain the trap can cause overflows and blockages, affecting not only your business but the entire local sanitary sewer system.
3. Environmental benefits
Proper used cooking oil disposal has significant environmental benefits. When cooking oils are improperly disposed of, they can contaminate waterways and harm local ecosystems. Oils and fats that enter water bodies can suffocate aquatic life by forming a layer on the water’s surface that depletes oxygen.
Many businesses in St. Louis and elsewhere are promoting sustainability by recycling used cooking oil. Ace Grease provides used cooking oil pickup services, allowing businesses to recycle their oil, which is then converted into biodiesel, a cleaner, renewable energy source. Recycling not only helps the environment, but it also contributes to a circular economy, in which waste is repurposed into valuable resources.
4. Comply with Local Regulations
Fats, oils, and grease disposal is strictly regulated in some areas, such as St. Louis, Missouri. Local health departments require that food establishments install and maintain grease traps to keep FOG from entering the city’s sanitary sewer system. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to significant fines, legal action, and even the closure of your business.
Businesses that work with professional trap services, such as Ace Grease, can ensure that they are meeting local standards. These services include regular maintenance, grease trap cleaning, and used cooking oil pickup, which will help your business stay compliant and avoid regulatory issues.
5. Improves operational efficiency.
Properly managing used cooking oil can significantly increase your company’s operational efficiency. When oil is disposed of improperly, it can cause clogged sewer lines, malfunctioning grease traps, and plumbing problems that disrupt your daily operations. Regular grease trap maintenance and the use of oil recycling services can help reduce these risks and keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Furthermore, businesses that choose to recycle their used cooking oil frequently benefit from scheduled pickups, which reduce the need for in-house storage and processing. Ace Grease offers tailored solutions that make the process simple, ensuring that your kitchen stays clean and efficient without the added burden of managing oil disposal on your own.
6. Prevents unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions.
One of the consequences of improperly managing fats, oils, and grease is the development of foul odors. When grease accumulates in grease traps or sewer systems, it begins to degrade, resulting in unpleasant odors that can permeate your kitchen and dining areas. In severe cases, these odors can escape into the surrounding environment, compromising your customers’ experience and your company’s reputation.
Regular grease trap cleaning helps prevent the accumulation of grease that causes these unpleasant odors. It also ensures that your business meets health and sanitation standards, making it a safe and inviting environment for both employees and customers.
7. Contributes to sustainability initiatives.
Recycling used cooking oil is a simple but effective way for businesses to support sustainability efforts. Instead of allowing your oil to clog sewer lines or landfills, hire professional services to collect and repurpose it. Companies such as Ace Grease convert used oil into biodiesel, a renewable fuel that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.
Recycling your used oil helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Furthermore, many businesses are now using sustainability efforts as a marketing tool to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. This not only improves your reputation, but it also attracts eco-conscious customers who appreciate environmentally responsible businesses.
8. Reduces Health and Safety Risks
Properly managing used cooking oil also plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for your employees and customers. When cooking oils are not disposed of correctly, they can create slippery floors and other hazards in your kitchen, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. Regular oil disposal and grease trap cleaning help eliminate these risks by keeping your kitchen clean and hazard-free.
In addition to preventing physical accidents, improper management of fats, oils, and grease can also lead to harmful bacterial growth. When FOG is allowed to accumulate in grease traps or sewer lines, it can break down and create unsanitary conditions. By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule for your grease traps and recycling your used cooking oil, you can ensure a hygienic environment that complies with health department standards.
9. Boosts Community and Industry Reputation
For businesses in St. Louis, MO, properly managing used cooking oil is more than just about compliance—it’s also about reputation. Restaurants and foodservice establishments that prioritize sustainability and proper waste management are often viewed more favorably by customers and industry peers. Word spreads quickly in the local community, and businesses that take extra steps to manage their environmental impact often enjoy enhanced brand loyalty.
By working with a trusted partner like Ace Grease for your used cooking oil and grease trap maintenance needs, your business can showcase its commitment to environmental responsibility. This not only helps attract environmentally-conscious customers but also sets you apart from competitors who may not be as proactive in their waste management practices.
How Ace Grease Can Help Manage Used Cooking Oil
Managing used cooking oil can be a time-consuming and complex task, but working with a professional service can make it much simpler. Ace Grease provides comprehensive solutions to help businesses in St. Louis, MO manage their cooking oil waste more efficiently. We provide the following services:
Used Cooking Oil Pickup: We offer regular oil pickup services, ensuring that your used oil is properly disposed of and poses no risk to your plumbing or the environment.
Grease Trap Cleaning: Our experts provide routine grease trap cleaning services to ensure that FOG does not enter your sewer system and cause costly issues.
Grease Trap Maintenance: In addition to cleaning, we provide full maintenance services to ensure that your grease traps operate efficiently and in accordance with local regulations.
We are committed to assisting you in running a clean, efficient, and compliant business while minimizing your environmental impact. With our customized services, you can concentrate on running your business without worrying about the hazards associated with improper used cooking oil disposal.
Contact Ace Grease
Proper used cooking oil management is an essential aspect of running a successful foodservice business in St. Louis, MO. From preventing sewer blockages to ensuring compliance with local regulations, the benefits of responsible oil disposal and grease trap cleaning are numerous. Partnering with experts like Ace Grease ensures that your business remains efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible, while also protecting your reputation within the community.
Whether it’s regular grease trap maintenance, trap services, or recycling used oil, managing fats, oils, and grease will not only keep your business running smoothly, but will also help protect the environment and local infrastructure.
At Ace Grease, we provide expert services to ensure that your used cooking oil is handled in the most efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible manner possible. Take the first step toward better oil management today to ensure that your business runs smoothly. Contact us today and see how we can help.
The Importance of Proper Used Cooking Oil Disposal: Keep Your Business and Sewer System Flowing
If your business regularly uses cooking oils, you know how important it is to dispose of them properly. Whether you manage a restaurant, cafeteria, or food production facility, used cooking oil (UCO) management is critical to prevent clogged pipes, reduce environmental damage, and maintain compliance with waste regulations. Ace Grease Service in St. Louis, MO specializes in responsible used cooking oil pickup and grease trap maintenance to help businesses run smoothly while keeping their sewer systems free of dangerous buildup.
This article will explore the significance of proper UCO disposal, the risks of poor oil management, and how services like grease trap cleaning protect the sanitary sewer system.
Why Proper Used Cooking Oil Disposal is Critical
Improper disposal of used cooking oil can create significant problems for your plumbing and the local sewer system. When fats, oils, and grease (commonly known as FOG) enter pipes, they cool down and float to the top, eventually hardening into thick deposits. Over time, these deposits clog sewer lines, which can lead to backups, property damage, and expensive repairs.
When businesses carelessly pour cooking oil down drains, it compromises the integrity of the entire sanitary sewer system. Clogged sewer lines can trigger foul odors, sewer overflows, and environmental hazards. Worse yet, businesses responsible for these problems may face hefty fines and operational downtime. Proper management of used cooking oil ensures a cleaner environment, smoother operations, and lower maintenance costs.
How Grease Traps Prevent Sewer Issues
A grease trap is an essential device that intercepts FOG from wastewater before it enters the sewer system. As wastewater from sinks or dishwashers flows into the grease trap, the grease floats to the top while water continues through the system. Over time, grease accumulates inside the trap, requiring regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly.
Without proper grease trap cleaning, FOG can overwhelm the trap, causing it to back up and send grease directly into the sewer. This can lead to blocked sewer lines, costly plumbing issues, and environmental violations. Ace Grease Service provides comprehensive trap services to ensure your business complies with local codes and avoids expensive repairs.
The Role of Grease Trap Cleaning in Preventing Sewer Blockages
Routine grease trap maintenance is essential for businesses that generate high volumes of fats, oils, and grease. When traps fill with grease, the waste becomes harder to remove, increasing the risk of clogs. Neglecting grease trap cleaning can lead to:
- Clogged sewer lines and plumbing backups.
- Foul odors that can drive away customers.
- Overflowing grease that damages floors and kitchen areas.
- Violations of health and environmental regulations.
Ace Grease Service specializes in reliable trap services in St. Louis, MO, helping businesses maintain their grease traps on a regular schedule to prevent sewer issues. Our technicians ensure that your grease traps are emptied and cleaned thoroughly, keeping your kitchen running efficiently and compliant with local sanitary codes.
Environmental Benefits of Used Cooking Oil Recycling
Rather than viewing used cooking oil as waste, many businesses are turning to recycling services as an environmentally friendly solution. Ace Grease Service collects used cooking oil and repurposes it for renewable energy sources, such as biodiesel production. Recycling cooking oils has several environmental benefits, including:
- Reducing landfill waste: Recycling UCO keeps it out of landfills and water systems.
- Lowering carbon emissions: Biodiesel made from used cooking oil produces fewer emissions than petroleum-based fuels.
- Sustainable resource use: Recycling cooking oil helps conserve natural resources by repurposing waste for energy production.
When you partner with Ace Grease Service, you’re not only protecting your plumbing and sewer system but also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
How Ace Grease Service Helps with Used Cooking Oil Management
At Ace Grease Service, we provide full-service used cooking oil pickup and grease trap maintenance to businesses throughout St. Louis, MO and surrounding areas. Our services include:
- Scheduled Used Cooking Oil Pickup
We offer timely, professional UCO collection services tailored to your business needs. Our technicians ensure your used cooking oil is collected safely and efficiently, preventing spills and environmental damage. - Grease Trap Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper grease trap cleaning is critical to prevent grease floating into your sewer lines and causing blockages. We inspect, clean, and maintain your grease traps, ensuring they operate efficiently and remain compliant with local regulations. - Emergency Grease Trap Services
In case of an unexpected overflow or backup, our team is available for emergency grease trap cleaning to minimize disruptions to your business operations. - Compliance with Local Regulations
Our experts stay up to date with industry and environmental regulations, ensuring your grease trap system meets all requirements. This protects your business from fines and legal issues related to improper FOG management.
Avoid Common Problems with Professional Trap Services
Regular maintenance and professional cleaning can help prevent many of the most common problems associated with used cooking oil and grease traps. Ace Grease Service helps businesses avoid:
- Grease Accumulation in Pipes: When traps are not cleaned regularly, grease that should be intercepted can make its way into pipes, resulting in clogs and backups.
- Sewer Line Blockages: FOG deposits in sewer lines can disrupt wastewater flow, causing slow drains, backups, and even sewage spills.
- Environmental Contamination: Improper disposal of cooking oils can leak into water systems, harming local ecosystems and violating environmental laws.
Our regular trap services keep your systems working efficiently, preventing these problems before they arise.
Why Choose Ace Grease Service in St. Louis, MO
If your business generates used cooking oil or relies on grease traps, you need a trusted partner to handle your waste responsibly. Here’s why businesses in St. Louis, MO choose Ace Grease Service:
- Expertise: With years of experience in trap services and UCO pickup, we know how to keep your business compliant and operating smoothly.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a full range of solutions, from used cooking oil pickup to emergency grease trap maintenance.
- Eco-Friendly Solutions: We recycle collected cooking oil into biodiesel, helping your business reduce its environmental impact.
- Customer-Focused: We provide tailored service schedules to meet the specific needs of your business, ensuring timely and hassle-free maintenance.
Get in Touch with Ace Grease
Proper management of used cooking oil is crucial for any business that relies on cooking oils. Neglecting grease trap maintenance or improperly disposing of UCO can lead to costly plumbing repairs, sewer line blockages, and environmental violations. At Ace Grease Service, we specialize in grease trap cleaning, UCO recycling, and trap services to keep your business running smoothly and compliant with local regulations.
With our reliable professional grease trap cleaning, and used cooking oil pickup in St. Louis, MO, your business can avoid sewer backups, reduce environmental impact, and ensure your kitchen runs efficiently. Partner with Ace Grease Service for all your FOG management needs and experience peace of mind knowing your waste is being handled responsibly.
Protect Your Business with Professional Grease Management
Managing used cooking oil and maintaining grease traps isn’t just about preventing clogs—it’s a critical part of keeping your business compliant with health and environmental regulations. The buildup of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in your plumbing can lead to unexpected downtime, costly repairs, and even health code violations if not handled properly. This is especially important in St. Louis, MO, where strict regulations govern how commercial kitchens must manage FOG and wastewater.
Avoid Costly Sewer Backups
When grease traps are not cleaned regularly, excess FOG escapes into sewer lines, creating blockages that affect both your business and the surrounding area. Once grease enters the sanitary sewer system, it can solidify and cause major disruptions, including overflows and backups. Businesses that contribute to these blockages may face penalties and fines from local authorities, in addition to costly repairs to their own plumbing.
Regular grease trap cleaning ensures your trap is functioning correctly and prevents grease from overwhelming your drains. With a proactive maintenance plan from Ace Grease Service, your kitchen can avoid costly downtime and stay compliant with local wastewater guidelines.
Customized Services for Every Business
At Ace Grease Service, we understand that every kitchen has unique needs. A busy restaurant might need more frequent trap services and used cooking oil pickup than a smaller facility. That’s why we work with you to create customized service schedules that match your business operations. Whether it’s routine cleaning, emergency trap maintenance, or scheduled oil pickup, our team ensures your kitchen stays up and running smoothly.
What Happens to Collected Used Cooking Oil?
The used cooking oil collected from your kitchen doesn’t go to waste. Ace Grease Service transports the oil to specialized facilities where it is converted into valuable products. For example, biodiesel, a clean and renewable energy source, is made from recycled oils. By participating in oil recycling programs, your business reduces environmental impact and supports the production of sustainable fuel alternatives.
Schedule Grease Trap Services and Oil Pickup Today
Managing grease traps and used cooking oil doesn’t have to be a hassle. Ace Grease Service offers end-to-end solutions, from grease trap maintenance to oil collection and recycling. Our experienced technicians will help you stay compliant, protect your sewer system, and avoid unnecessary disruptions.
Don’t let grease issues affect your business. Contact Ace Grease Service in St. Louis, MO today to schedule a service consultation and ensure your kitchen operates efficiently and sustainably.
The Importance of Proper Used Cooking Oil Management with Ace Grease Service
Managing used cooking oil effectively is a critical responsibility for restaurants, commercial kitchens, and food service facilities. Improper handling of cooking oils can cause significant issues, from clogging sewer lines to polluting the environment. Ace Grease Service, located in St. Louis, MO, offers professional solutions for used cooking oil collection, disposal, and recycling, ensuring your operations run smoothly while protecting the sewer system and environment.
Why Proper Used Cooking Oil Disposal Matters
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are byproducts of cooking processes that can cause serious damage if not managed properly. When poured down the drain, FOG can solidify in sewer lines, creating blockages that disrupt the sanitary sewer system. Over time, these blockages can lead to backups, costly repairs, and even environmental hazards. Ace Grease Service helps businesses prevent these issues by providing professional collection and recycling services for used cooking oil. By turning waste into renewable resources, we help businesses meet sustainability goals while avoiding costly plumbing problems.
The Role of Grease Traps in Used Cooking Oil Management
Grease traps play a vital role in keeping commercial kitchens clean and operational. These devices capture fats, oils, and grease from wastewater, allowing clean water to flow into the sewer system while preventing blockages. As FOG enters the grease trap, the grease floats to the top, while heavier solids settle at the bottom. This separation ensures the proper functioning of the sanitary sewer system.
Grease Trap Maintenance and Cleaning
Without regular grease trap cleaning and maintenance, grease buildup can render the trap ineffective, allowing FOG to seep into sewer lines. This can lead to blockages, foul odors, and health code violations. Ace Grease Service offers professional grease trap maintenance and trap services, ensuring your grease traps operate efficiently and remain compliant with local regulations.
The Benefits of Professional Grease Trap Cleaning
Regular cleaning ensures that grease traps effectively capture FOG, keeping your sewer lines clear and functional. Compliance with local health and environmental regulations is critical for businesses. Professional trap services ensure your grease traps meet all required standards. Clean grease traps reduce foul odors and prevent plumbing issues, allowing your kitchen to operate smoothly without disruptions.
What Happens to Used Cooking Oil After Collection?
When Ace Grease Service collects your used cooking oil, it doesn’t go to waste. Instead, it’s recycled and transformed into renewable resources such as biodiesel. This process benefits the environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and keeping FOG out of landfills and water systems.
How Grease Traps Prevent Sewer System Issues
Grease traps prevent many of the issues associated with FOG disposal, including sewer backups by capturing grease before it can enter sewer lines and cause blockages. By keeping FOG out of the water system, grease traps protect local ecosystems. Preventing FOG buildup saves businesses money on plumbing and maintenance costs.
Ace Grease Service: Your Partner in Used Cooking Oil Management
Located in St. Louis, MO, Ace Grease Service offers comprehensive solutions for managing used cooking oil and maintaining grease traps. Our services include reliable pickup services, ensuring your cooking oils are removed safely and responsibly. Our professional team handles all aspects of grease trap cleaning, keeping your kitchen compliant and operational. Ace Grease Service helps turn your waste into renewable resources, contributing to a greener future.
Signs You Need Grease Trap Maintenance
Regular grease trap maintenance is essential, but how can you tell when it’s time for cleaning? Watch for these signs: foul odors in your kitchen that smell like rancid grease indicate a trap cleaning is overdue. Grease buildup can cause wastewater to drain slowly, disrupting your kitchen operations. When grease levels exceed the trap’s capacity, it can flow into the sewer system and cause blockages. Failing a health or plumbing inspection is a clear sign that your trap needs professional attention.
Why Work with Ace Grease Service?
Managing used cooking oil and maintaining grease traps can be challenging without professional help. Here’s why businesses in St. Louis, MO, trust Ace Grease Service: With years of experience, we understand the unique needs of commercial kitchens. Our team ensures timely and efficient service, minimizing disruptions to your business. We prioritize eco-friendly solutions, helping you reduce waste and support renewable energy initiatives.
Preventing Common FOG Issues
In addition to regular grease trap cleaning, there are steps you can take to prevent FOG-related problems. Ensure employees know not to pour grease down the drain. Place strainers in sinks to catch solids before they enter the trap. Consistent cleaning and inspection are key to preventing issues.
Professional solutions for grease trap cleaning
Proper management of used cooking oil is essential for maintaining a clean, efficient, and sustainable kitchen. With Ace Grease Service, businesses in St. Louis, MO, can count on professional solutions for grease trap cleaning, FOG disposal, and used cooking oil recycling. By partnering with us, you not only protect your plumbing and the environment but also ensure compliance with local regulations. Contact Ace Grease Service today to schedule your trap services or used cooking oil pickup and experience the benefits of working with industry leaders!
Ensuring Sustainability with Used Cooking Oil Recycling
One of the most significant benefits of working with Ace Grease Service is our commitment to sustainability through used cooking oil recycling. Properly managing and recycling cooking oils not only helps prevent environmental harm but also contributes to renewable energy initiatives. By turning fats, oils, and grease into biodiesel, we give new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
The Biodiesel Advantage
Biodiesel is a cleaner, renewable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. It’s made from organic waste materials like used cooking oil, which reduces the need for petroleum-based energy. Recycling cooking oil into biodiesel offers several benefits:
Reduced Environmental Impact: Biodiesel emits fewer greenhouse gases than traditional diesel, helping combat climate change.
Waste Reduction: Diverting FOG from landfills and sewer systems minimizes environmental pollution.
Energy Independence: Local recycling efforts support domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
When you partner with Ace Grease Service, your business becomes part of this eco-friendly process, enhancing your sustainability efforts and reputation.
Protecting Your Sewer Lines and Infrastructure
FOG-related issues can cause severe damage to your sewer system, leading to costly repairs and environmental concerns. Letting grease float to the top of water in grease traps is only the first step in ensuring FOG doesn’t enter the sanitary sewer. Without proper cleaning and maintenance, grease can bypass traps and clog sewer lines, leading to backups that disrupt operations and create unsanitary conditions.
The Cost of Neglected Sewer Maintenance
Ignoring grease trap maintenance and FOG disposal can result in:
Plumbing Repairs: Clogs in the sewer system can require extensive and expensive repair work.
Fines and Violations: Health and environmental agencies impose penalties for non-compliance with FOG regulations.
Business Interruptions: Blockages can halt operations, leading to lost revenue and dissatisfied customers.
Ace Grease Service ensures that your grease traps are properly maintained and your used cooking oil is collected regularly to protect your infrastructure and keep your business running smoothly.
Tailored Services for St. Louis, MO Businesses
Every food service establishment is different, with unique needs for trap services and used cooking oil management. Ace Grease Service works closely with businesses in St. Louis, MO, to provide customized solutions that fit their specific requirements.
Restaurants and Cafes
From small cafes to large restaurants, managing cooking oils effectively is essential to maintain a clean and efficient kitchen. We provide flexible collection schedules and expert grease trap maintenance to ensure seamless operations.
Commercial Kitchens
High-volume kitchens, such as those in hotels, event centers, and catering facilities, produce significant amounts of fats, oils, and grease. Our team handles the challenges of frequent used cooking oil pickup and intensive grease trap maintenance to keep these kitchens compliant and operational.
Institutional Facilities
Schools, hospitals, and other institutions also benefit from professional FOG management. These facilities often have large-scale grease traps that require specialized cleaning and consistent maintenance, which Ace Grease Service provides with ease.
The Grease Trap Maintenance Process
Professional grease trap maintenance goes beyond simply emptying the trap. At Ace Grease Service, our process ensures thorough cleaning and long-term performance:
Inspection: Our team inspects your grease trap to assess its condition and identify any potential issues.
Cleaning: We remove all grease, solids, and sludge, ensuring the trap is completely clear and functional.
Repair: If any parts of the grease trap are damaged or worn, we provide repair services to restore efficiency.
Documentation: After servicing, we provide detailed records to help you meet compliance requirements and track maintenance schedules.
Educating Your Staff on FOG Management
While professional services are essential, educating your staff about proper FOG management can further protect your sewer lines and equipment. Ace Grease Service provides resources and training to help employees understand best practices, including:
Proper disposal of cooking oils and scraps.
Recognizing signs of grease trap overflow.
Avoiding actions that contribute to FOG buildup, such as pouring oil down the drain.
Benefits of Partnering with Ace Grease Service
When you choose Ace Grease Service for your used cooking oil and grease trap needs, you gain more than just a service provider—you gain a partner dedicated to your success.