Grease Theft Security: Why You Need It And What To Do

Why Are People Stealing Cooking Oil? 

It may not be diamonds, but used cooking oil still has value. With the ever-looming climate crisis, finding alternatives to petroleum and diesel fuel is paramount. One alternative for large vehicles and equipment is renewable diesel.  

Also called “green diesel,” this fuel is made from rendered animal fats and used cooking oil. It’s chemically identical to conventional diesel, but emits no greenhouse gasses. Not only is it an environmentally-friendly fuel source, but it’s more efficient and provides better fuel economy for the machines it powers. 

It makes sense that renewable diesel is becoming more and more valuable. Companies like DAR PRO are dedicated to collecting the food waste that already exists and manufacturing renewable diesel safely and legitimately. 

Used cooking oil thieves want in on this “liquid gold,” though they acquire it in illegal, clandestine ways. 

Reasons To Prevent Grease Theft 

Used cooking oil theft not only costs a lot of people money along the supply line, it can harm the equipment that it’s used in and the environment. 

Shady Filtering Damages Mother Nature and Machines Alike

Instead of used cooking oil going to legitimate rendering plants to be converted to renewable diesel, they go to much smaller, illegal operations. These small operations adhere to no government regulations, and don’t have the right equipment to filter and process the used cooking oil.  

These backyard setups put grease and sludge back into the city’s water supply or into nearby rivers and lakes.  

The lackluster jobs to render the grease also take a toll on any vehicles that use this renewable diesel. Some of the compounds that are normally filtered out in legitimate rendering operations remain in the fuel, and can corrode engine pieces or gunk up moving parts.

It’s Unsafe For Everyone

Most restaurant employees are not trained security guards. Chasing criminals who stole their grease could be dangerous. Personal safety must be taken into account. Property damage is also a huge risk.

Those participating in haphazard theft operations usually don’t have much in the way of professional transportation equipment or safety measures, making spills highly likely.

Grease Theft Contributes to Climate Change

In addition to the hazards grease theft presents to the water supply, it also has a direct impact on greenhouse emissions.

Proper grease and fat rendering actively remove CO2 from the air. Rendering plants remove seven times the amount of CO2 from the atmosphere than they produce. Thus, these uncertified and illegal enterprises can have a significant impact on air pollution if they’re not stopped.

How To Prevent Grease Theft

There’s a lot at stake when it comes to preventing grease theft. Restaurants and commercial kitchens that use cooking oil are figuratively on the “front lines” of the issue. Grease thieves target these kitchens and steal from their containers while they wait for collection. Consequently, securing your used cooking oil can make a considerable impact in their ability to access this “liquid gold.”

Indoor Containers

Moving your used cooking oil container, or UCO system inside is easy, and usually the most effective. Once you lock up for the night, you also secure your grease. Unfortunately, many kitchens already struggle with space issues, so this isn’t the most practical for everyone.

Enclosed Containers

If you have to keep your container outside, invest in a secure, enclosed container. These are better at keeping thieves, and contaminants out. Most enclosed containers are locked at every point where a person could access the contents. 

Cameras and Alarms

Basic security on most structures include cameras and alarms. Most restaurants will already have these inside the dining area for security purposes, but it never hurts to keep a camera in the kitchen or outside facing your container. Even if it doesn’t deter thieves, it’ll make it easier for law enforcement to catch them.

Gates and Corrals

Any extra deterrents will help. Adding another obstacle for thieves such as secure gates or a corral around the container may be enough to steer them away.

Why Invest In DAR PRO Used Cooking Oil Systems?

All of the UCO systems and containers that DAR PRO installs in your facility are enclosed and include anti-theft technology. Here are a few ways that DAR PRO is working with restaurants to get ahead of grease theft.

Regular Cleaning

If a container doesn’t have any grease, no one can steal it. We’ll collect used cooking oil according to your schedule, as often as you need it. Combined with regular maintenance and product training, we’ll keep the supply of grease flowing directly from the restaurant to our professional, eco-friendly rendering plant.

Anti-Theft Technology

In addition to top-of-the-line materials used to enclose UCO tanks, we’ve also adapted some proprietary anti-theft technology. Our Cleanstar line of containers use hose connections that only work with DAR PRO equipment, so thieves won’t even be able to get their hands on the grease.

Stop grease thieves before they become a problem for you. By investing in grease theft prevention, not only are you protecting your business and your business partners, but you are also making a positive impact on the environment.

Contact us to talk about the best solution for your business. Installation is quick, and collection is all hands-off for you. Call us today at (855) 327-7761