Food courts, with multiple eateries clustered together, are major consumers of cooking oil products in the United States. While culinary trends in food courts might not be the same as they were a couple of decades ago, food courts are still often filled with different types of fried delights. With high volumes of food preparation daily, food courts generate a substantial amount of used cooking oil that needs to be disposed of and recycled responsibly. At Northwest Biofuel we recognize that providing food courts with helpful tips and guidance on how to recycle cooking oil can lead to higher levels of compliance.
Why Responsible Cooking Oil Disposal Is Important
Used cooking oil recycling is more than a practical necessity for food courts. It’s also an important initiative that encourages environmental stewardship among workers and the adoption of ethical and sustainable business operations across the board.
Used cooking oil can be toxic to the environment, and also create significant issues with commercial plumbing systems. From an environmental standpoint, recycling cooking oil contributes to renewable energy and reduces water and oil pollution.
From a structural point of view, proper disposal and recycling prevent sewage blockages and backups, not to mention the foul odor associated with plumbing issues that nobody wants to experience in an environment meant for enjoying food.
Challenges with Cooking Oil Recycling and Disposal in Food Courts
Food courts also present a unique challenge to eco-friendly cooking oil disposal and recycling. With various restaurants, management, and staff, it can be difficult for everyone to be on the same page regarding disposal procedures.
Due to inconsistencies in training, each eatery may be following different procedures and protocols. Food courts also often experience a high turnover of staff, presenting even bigger challenges to training initiatives.
However, with the right guidance and a commitment to sustainability, it is possible to get everyone on board. Here are 7 tips for successful food court successful cooking oil recycling programs.
Tips for Responsible Food Court Recycling of Used Cooking Oil
Learn About Used Cooking Oil Disposal Laws and Regulations
Used cooking oil is harmful to the environment, including local water systems. Many regions have local regulations that govern how used cooking oil can be disposed of in commercial kitchen facilities. Understanding any specific local regulations is important to ensure food courts are in compliance and not at risk of incurring fines.
Consider posting any regulations regarding cooking oil disposal and recycling in food preparation areas so that all workers are aware of what needs to be done to avoid fines or legal issues.
Partner with a Cooking Oil Collection Service
Partnering with a professional, reliable cooking oil disposal or recycling service is an essential component of any successful recycling program. These companies specialize in the safe, proper collection and transportation of used cooking oils and ensure they are processed in an environmentally friendly manner.
Do research in your area and choose a reputable service provider who offers a regular schedule of pick-ups. For multi-restaurant environments like food courts, it’s important to work with a provider that is willing to accommodate more frequent pick-ups based on needs. Also, make sure the cooking oil collection company you choose complies with all local environmental regulations.
Set Up a Workable Collection System
To make a food court used cooking oil collection effective, establishing an oil collection system is key. This includes providing designated containers that are used specifically for holding used cooking oil until it is picked up.
Used cooking oil may be collected in one central location on the exterior of the building housing the food court. However, individual restaurants should have safe, durable, and spill-proof containers to hold and transport the oil to the central collection location.
Provide Education to All Staff on Proper Handling and Disposal
Proper handling of used cooking oil isn’t just a necessity for recycling, but also for safety and efficiency. Each member of the food court should be instructed to follow the same standardized training procedures to ensure adherence and consistency.
All management and staff that handle used cooking oil should be trained on proper handling, including the importance of allowing the cooking oil to cool before transferring it to collection containers and why spill-proof lids are required.
Additionally, staff should also be trained on the importance of keeping the oil free from as many contaminants as possible. Food scraps, water, and chemicals that make their way into the cooking oil can potentially complicate the recycling process.
Don’t Neglect Regular Maintenance Checks
With many different eateries sharing central oil collection systems, regular maintenance checks are critical. This helps to ensure that the oil collection and disposal system is functioning properly and that there are no signs of leaks or other damage.
The used cooking oil collection company you work with should be able to suggest a maintenance plan, along with steps restaurants can take to preserve the life of the containers.
Incentivize Responsible Practices
For a cooking oil recycling program to be the most effective, it requires getting workers from every restaurant on board, and following correct procedures, especially for safety.
Incentive programs can be effective for encouraging participation and adhering to best practices. Consider implementing a reward or incentive system for food court teams that consistently manage the disposal of used cooking oil correctly. Perhaps offer more substantial rewards for star performers and those who take leadership initiatives in training and setting a positive example.
Raise Community Awareness
Consider ways to inform the community of the food court’s oli collection and recycling policies. This can be something as simple as signage at the physical location or on websites. Food courts can also take advantage of press releases and local media outlets to spread the word about their eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives.
Consider taking community awareness by taking it a step further and partnering with your oil collection company and sponsoring a community recycling event.
Northwest Biofuel is Your Partner in Used Cooking Oil Collection
Responsible collection and recycling of used cooking oil is important for food courts that are looking to promote sustainability, reduce their environmental impact, and save on costly repairs. Cooking oil collection systems offer a centralized location where every restaurant can participate.
With a bit of planning and a commitment to follow through, food courts around the country can take a major waste product and help turn it into a valuable, renewable resource. At Northwest Biofuel, we encourage you to reach out to us and learn more about sustainable cooking oil recycling for food courts and how we can help.