Grease Collection and Grease Trap Service in Icy Cold Weather: Problems and Solutions

Life is always about preparing for the unexpected, but winters in the north are always expected to be pretty harsh. That is why preparation is vital for those harsh winter storms and weather.   

At DAR PRO Solutions, our years of experience and our nationwide logistical network have made us weather pros. Our commitment to keeping your grease trap and used cooking oil containers serviced year-round stands strong. Even in cold winter months, our state-of-the-art trucks are designed to melt solidified grease, ensuring a hassle-free collection and preventing messy spills.​ 

Luckily, winter doesn’t last all year, and there are things you can prepare for before the snow comes.  

Here’s a look at how we provide efficient service even in challenging weather. 

Consideration #1: Automated vs. Manual Used Cooking Oil Storage 

One of the top challenges with wintertime used cooking oil collection is dealing with frozen outdoor containers. Slips and falls are more common during winter months. Automated used cooking oil systems let you transport your used cooking oil from your fryer without having to leave the restaurant.   

DAR PRO’s outdoor automated containers include warmers to keep the oil from freezing. This completely eliminates the frozen used cooking oil problem.  

Of course, not all our customers are ready to make that switch. Some don’t have the grease volume that renders it a smart choice. 

Not ready to switch? Don’t worry; we're still able to service your outdoor bins during the winter months. Automated solutions are not a good fit for every kitchen. If this is the case, an outdoor manual bin works as well. We’ve put significant effort in making sure our customers with outdoor bins can be serviced year-round.  

If you do not have a heated automatic bin,  we have winter climate facilities that utilize specialized trucks that are divided into two holding sections, which makes DAR PRO Solutions the seasoned pro when it comes to used cooking oil removal in the winter. We have perfected our logistical network for the winter months. We collect the full amount of used cooking oil in the bin and avoid spills or accidents that might occur by trying to force a hose through a top layer of frozen grease to try to pump out liquid oil below the surface ineffectively.  

Consideration #2: The Icy Challenge of Grease Trap Service  

DAR PRO’s grease trap technicians are also used to working in these conditions and equipped to tackle the unique challenges cold weather presents. We schedule our service fleet much like any trucking company—with a focus on safe operations for both our drivers and our customers’ property. 

However, we face one frosty foe – uncleared snow and ice surrounding the grease trap lids and containers, often found in parking areas. 

During the winter months, our biggest challenge is access. Most grease trap lids are located in or near a store’s parking area. If that area hasn’t been cleared of snow or ice, it hinders our ability to access the trap. Our drivers will always try to clear the lids so they can service the trap. But if they aren’t familiar with where the trap is located, the service will need to be rescheduled until the customer has cleared the snow. 

Another challenge to servicing grease traps in winter is grease fog. What’s grease fog? It’s when the difference in temperature between the inground trap and the atmosphere creates a fog in the basin, preventing clear visibility of the contents. DAR PRO technicians vacuum out the fog to clear visibility, pump the material until the temperature variation again forms fog, then repeat the vacuum and pump process until the basin is clean.  

Consideration #3: Winter Road Conditions  

Solid used cooking oil isn’t the only problem during winter months. Safety is a major consideration during ice and snow storms.  

We take safety seriously, and everyone, from our drivers to our plant workers, is trained to take extra caution during the winter months. This includes leaving burning equipment until it can be serviced at a safer time.  

But there are ways we can work together to minimize service disruptions.  

How to Prepare for Winter UCO and Grease Trap Services  

Keep your Area Clear of Snow and Ice    

Clearing snow is a morning ritual in some locations. Whether you choose to pay an ice and snow removal company or to take it yourself, keeping your lot free of snow is an easy way to keep things running smoothly.  
  
While clearing out the snow, don’t forget to unbury your corral. DAR PRO Solutions has the tools needed to unfreeze your outdoor bin, but any extra help will decrease service times.

Set Reasonable Expectations  

If a storm is so bad that parts of the city are shut down, employees can’t make it, or streets are being closed, there is a chance our drivers won’t be able to get to your location. This is rare, but possible.   

We begin preparation for winter months early and our drivers are trained for rough weather. However, if we’re unable to reach your location it’s for a good reason. Safety is our number one priority; we want to keep everyone out of danger.  

Ultimately, ensuring safety for our staff and yours is #1 priority. 

Ask Us About Your Grease Container Options  

Is your business ready for an equipment upgrade? Contact us to learn what your options are. We’ll work with you to ensure you have the most up-to-date, hassle-free containers and service plan possible.   

Notify Us  

If you are aware that your grease trap or outdoor bin will be inaccessible on your scheduled service day, call us at (844) 595-2082. By working together, we can limit disruptions and re-plan routes so that we can operate as efficiently as possible in challenging weather conditions. 


DAR PRO Solutions is a thought leader in the industry for used cooking oil management and grease trap services. Our innovative equipment solutions, strong customer support, and service expertise will make handling grease a worry free part of your business. Reach out to a DAR PRO representative today and find out how your ghost kitchen or restaurant can benefit from our partnership.  

Call us 24/7/365 at 855-DAR-PRO1 (855-327-7761).

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