Cooking oil is used in almost every commercial kitchen and being prepared to store it safely is an essential part of operations. Improper disposal methods create unnecessary safety hazards, increase costs, and can put a local business out of compliance with health and fire codes. Proper used cooking oil storage reflects a larger system that connects staff training, fryer management, and scheduled cooking oil pickups.
Safety Risks from Improper Storage
Improper handling of used cooking oil creates a variety of problems in a commercial kitchen. Moving hot oil too soon risks serious burns. Spills easily causes slip-and-fall situations. An overfilled or improperly sealed container can also be a fire risk if it’s located too close to a heat source. All these risks add up to make safety and storage of used cooking oil something that needs to be taken seriously.
Local Compliance
Many cities and towns have specific regulations around how cooking oil is stored that are important for commercial kitchens to follow. Used cooking oil often must be stored in clearly marked, leak proof containers that are kept away from drains. Regulations vary depending on how much cooking oil is used so it’s essential to check up on the specifics in your area.
The Best Used Cooking Oil Storage Containers
Used cooking oil storage containers should be ready to handle the environment in a commercial kitchen. The best commercial cooking oil storage containers include:
- Tight-sealing lids
- Leak-resistant construction
- Able to withstand high temperatures
- High capacity
- Compatibility with various types of cooking oils
The containers should be placed in a cool, dark location that is accessible but out of the way. The type of cooking oil your kitchen uses may also influence the type of storage container that makes the most sense.
A container with a missing piece or cracked part should be fixed or replaced as quickly as possible. Damaged or improperly working equipment is a common cause of compliance issues.
Work with a Professional Fryer Oil Collection Service
Working with a Used Cooking Oil Collection Service like EcoOil Recycling is a great way to get cooking oil removed from your kitchen as easily as possible. EcoOil provides an oil bin system with oil collection service and pay for used cooking oil after every pickup with our eco-friendly recycling program. Your used cooking oil will be picked up on a regular schedule so you won’t need to worry about the oil bins getting too full.
Contact us today to learn more about recycling used cooking oil from your commercial kitchen with EcoOil Recycling.
