There are a lot of moving parts to running a small business, with a long list of tasks that need tending to. Environmentally friendly tasks, like recycling used oil, might not be high on the list of priorities. Implementing an effective oil recycling program doesn’t have to create added stress for small businesses. With just a few simple steps, any small business can have a plan in place for effortless, safe, and clean oil recycling.
Benefits of Oil Recycling for Small Businesses
There are both environmental and economic benefits of recycling oil for small businesses. The obvious benefit of oil recycling is that it’s good for the environment, helping to reduce pollution while also conserving natural resources. For small businesses, there are financial benefits as well.
Oil recycling, partnered with oil trap cleaning, is a key way for small businesses to not only save money upfront but also on costly repairs in the future. Additionally, some municipalities impose fines for businesses that choose to forgo oil recycling or dispose of it improperly. Having an oil recycling plan in place mitigates these issues before they occur.
Here are a few more benefits worth considering.
Keeping Harmful Substances Out of the Environment: Improper disposal of cooking and other types of oils can potentially contaminate the soil and waterways, leading to environmental damage and risk to water, wildlife, and agricultural food supply quality.
Reduced Disposal Fees: Working with an oil recycling service provider is, in most cases, more cost-effective than proper self-disposal. Plus, knowing that every aspect of recycling is taken care of is one less thing a small business needs to worry about.
Positive Community Reputations: Today, consumers are more eco-conscious than ever, and they’re seeking businesses that prioritize sustainability and green business practices.
First Step: Assessing Oil Usage
The first step is assessing how much oil a small business is using, and how much of it will be recycled. This is important in determining the scale of the oil recycling setup needed. Whether the small business is a quaint local cafe that fries up the most delicious beignets on the weekend, or a two-person-operated automotive garage, it’s important to accurately measure the volume of oil used in a typical week.
Of course, oil used doesn’t equal the amount of oil needing to be recycled. Some of the volume is used up in the process. When assessing oil usage, keep a record of both the input and output of oil. Doing this over a span of two weeks should provide a fairly accurate assessment.
How to Set Up an Oil Recycling Program
Setting up an oil recycling program isn’t as complicated as it sounds on the surface. It requires some planning but is something that can be accomplished in a relatively short amount of time.
One of the first steps when ready to implement an oil recycling program is to designate oil collection areas. These areas need to be easily accessible and clearly marked. At this point, it’s also important to invest in oil storage containers that meet current safety standards. Using improper containers can pose a risk to workplace safety. A qualified oil collection service can assist with supplying proper containers.
The last step in setup is to contact a certified collection and recycling service. From this point, the collection service takes care of the rest of the details of removing the oil from the premises and ensuring it is handled and recycled properly.
Getting Employees on Board
Implementing an oil recycling program is a great opportunity to get team members on board with sustainability efforts. It’s important to prioritize training, explaining how the system works and what each team member’s role is in supporting it. Even team members who won’t interact directly with the oil recycling system should be trained in the event they need to handle the oil or assist in any way.
Seek Out Qualified Recyclers
A critical component of any oil recycling program for small businesses is partnering with a certified oil recycling service. This process may depend on the location and local regulations. Ensure that the oil recycler chosen adheres to any local/regional laws or ordinances.
Connecting with an oil recycling service may require an in-person visit. This will help the service provider better understand the business’s oil recycling needs and what size and type of container will be required. If there isn’t adequate and safe space for an indoor container, the service provider will work with the business to get them set up with an outdoor container system.
It’s perfectly acceptable, and recommended, to request consultations from multiple oil recycling services in the area. Comparison shopping is important. Small businesses need to balance cost, value, safety, and reliability in choosing the best oil recycling provider for their needs. We also recommend researching customer reviews and checking with agencies, such as the Better Business Bureau, to ensure the company is reputable and reliable.
Once an oil recycling provider is chosen, a plan will be put into place for implementation. This includes supplying the containers, providing instruction as needed, and setting up a schedule for pickup. A quality oil recycling service will be happy to answer all questions and will be available as needed for any issues that arise.
Get the Word Out
Does a small business need to advertise its new oil recycling program? No, this is not a necessity. However, in communities where sustainability and green business operations are prioritized and supported, making mention of these efforts can provide a small business with a boost.
This can be something as simple as mentioning a partnership with a local oil collection company on the business’s social media accounts. For businesses that want to support the community and the environment through sustainability efforts, organizing a recycling event can be an effective way of establishing themselves as a green community partner.
Conclusion
Implementing an effective oil recycling program is a smart move for any small business. At Northwest Biofuel, we’re here to help businesses like yours navigate the challenges. Whether your business is local to the Portland area and looking for a reputable oil recycling provider, or you’re a little further away and have questions, Northwest Biofuel is here to help.