5 Questions Every Restaurant Should Ask Before Hiring a Used Cooking Oil Collection Company
5 Questions Every Restaurant Should Ask Before Hiring a Used Cooking Oil Collection Company
Choosing the right used cooking oil (UCO) collection company is more important than many restaurant owners realize. A good partner keeps your kitchen safe, your storage area clean, and your business compliant—while also protecting you from theft and paying you fairly for every gallon collected. The wrong partner, however, can cause spills, missed pickups, safety issues, and even lost revenue.
Before signing a contract or agreeing to a pickup schedule, here are five key questions every restaurant should ask to make sure they’re choosing a trustworthy, reliable UCO partner.
1. “What Type of Insurance Do You Carry?”
A legitimate UCO company should have full insurance protection, including:
- General liability insurance
- Garage keeper’s coverage (for vehicle-related risks)
- Environmental protection insurance for spills or contamination
- Workers’ compensation coverage for employees
If the company struggles to answer this question or cannot immediately provide proof of insurance, you should move on. A spill, injury, or incident caused by an uninsured company can leave your restaurant legally and financially responsible.
2. “How Often Will You Pick Up My Oil—And How Do You Determine the Schedule?”
Reliable pickups are essential. If your tank overflows, it creates:
- Slip hazards in back-of-house areas
- Pest problems from spilled oil
- Health code violations
- Extra work and frustration for your kitchen team
A professional UCO company should analyze your volume, recommend a schedule, and adjust it seasonally or based on usage—not just show up “whenever they can.” Consistency is key to keeping your operations clean and safe.
3. “How Do You Secure and Protect My Used Oil From Theft?”
Used cooking oil theft is on the rise because of its value in the renewable fuel market. Thieves target restaurants at night and siphon oil directly from tanks—stealing money that belongs to you.
Your collector should offer:
- Lockable, tamper-resistant containers
- Sealed lids and protected access points
- Documentation of gallons collected
- Monitoring of volume inconsistencies that may indicate theft
If a UCO company does nothing to prevent theft or blames you for missing oil, that’s a major red flag. Your oil is an asset—and it should be protected.
4. “Do You Pay Rebates—and How Transparent Is the Process?”
Your used oil has value. A reputable UCO provider should pay you fairly based on market rates and provide transparent reporting after every pickup.
Ask the collector:
- Do you offer rebates?
- How do you calculate what I’m owed?
- How do I verify the gallons collected?
- Will I receive detailed pickup logs?
Low or inconsistent payments may indicate dishonesty or poor tracking systems. If a company refuses to explain its pricing or provide documentation, it’s time to look elsewhere.
5. “How Do You Keep My Storage Area Clean and Compliant?”
Your oil collection area reflects your restaurant’s sanitation standards—and the health department pays close attention. A good UCO company should provide:
- Clean, sealed, well-maintained containers
- Spill-free transfer methods
- Regular cleaning around the tank
- Documentation to support compliance audits
If your current or potential provider leaves spills, doesn’t maintain the tank, or allows oil buildup on the ground, they are putting your restaurant at risk for violations and attracting pests or odors.
Choose a Partner That Treats Your Oil With Respect
Asking the right questions now can save your restaurant from major problems later. A trustworthy used cooking oil company should be transparent, proactive, well-trained, insured, and committed to keeping your operations safe and compliant.
ReGenUco provides reliable, honest, and environmentally responsible used cooking oil collection for restaurants across the region. We offer fully secured containers, predictable pickups, transparent reporting, and fair rebates—every time.
Contact ReGenUco:
Phone: (845) 828-2425
Email: info@regenuco.com
Contact us online