Reduce Cooking Oil-Related Injury 

Listed below are three main types of used cooking oil (UCO) storage systems and best practices for the safe use of each option.  Additionally, each list of safety tips is accompanied by a downloadable PDF that can kept on file for frequent reference by your employees.

These guidelines are strictly recommended best practices. You should always follow your fryer manufacturer’s standard operating procedures and adhere to your business’ kitchen protocols.


Remember: Used Cooking Oil Only

The DAR PRO storage containers and transfer methods described below are designated exclusively for used cooking oil. Dispose of other kitchen waste and cooking ingredients using standard operating procedures.


1. Manual Disposal: Outdoor Bin  

This process includes transporting used cooking oil from your fryer to a container located outside of your restaurant.  A standard outdoor bin consists of a highly durable metal construction with cover and lid, with ability to be placed in a corral or designated spot in parking lot. Even though cooking oil should be cooled when transferring, it is recommended to us a heat resistant container to carry oil to the outdoor bin.  

Best practices for outdoor bin:

  • Wear personal protective equipment at all times 
  • Ensure oil is cooled down to a safe temperature  
  • Check to make sure the UCO storage container is in good condition  
  • Ensure the area between the fryers and bin is free of hazards such a wet floor or impediments 
  • Make sure the transport container is completely dry before adding oil 
  • Never fill transport container beyond ¾ capacity to ensure safe transport   
  • Follow heavy lifting guidelines to avoid back injury
  • If discarding more than the recommended 35 -pound limit of UCO at a time,  consider making multiple trips to the grease storage bin, ask a second person for help or use a shortening shuttle.  
  • Remove any debris blocking the grate on lid before pouring oil into the outdoor bin 
  • Check to see if there is sufficient space in the bin to avoid splashing and overflow 
  • Pour UCO slowly and avoid extra oil dripping down the side of container
  • STEPS CONTINUED IN DOWNLOAD...

2. Semi-Automated: Uses Portable Grease Caddy

Instead of carrying a pot of hot used oil outside, an employee can wheel a grease caddy to the fryer, open the discard valve on the fryer and drain used fryer oil into a portable cart.  Then, simply push the grease caddy to the tank, connect and transfer oil to the UCO storage tank.

Best practices for portable grease caddy

  • Wear personal protective equipment at all times
  • Turn off fryers to ensure the oil is cooled to a safe temperature
  • Make sure the grease caddy is completely dry
  • Insert the caddy screen before discarding oil into it
  • Replace the lid before pushing the caddy to the tank
  • Always push caddy for better control vs pulling
  • Remove gloves when plugging caddy in, to avoid grease contacting a cord or electric outlet
  • Put safety gloves back on before touching hose or couplers on caddy as they will be HOT! 
  • Stay with caddy during entire procedure as it only takes a short period to evacuate a standard 65 lb. caddy
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UCO Safety Checklist: Semi-Automated with Grease Caddy


3. Fully Automated - uses Direct Pump Solution

There’s not much to see here folks, and that’s the beauty of a fully automated UCO disposal and filtration system. With only a couple button presses, your UCO is safely transferred directly from your fryers to a storage tank where it awaits pick up by your service partner.  Referred to as a Direct Pump system, this Mercedes of UCO systems hardly requires a thought by operators and is a zero oil contact solution, ideal for most any commercial kitchen. 


We are here to help!  Immediately improve safety in your BOH when you install one of our automated systems.  With a diverse selection of used cooking oil storage containers you are sure to find the right fit for your business.  Contact a DAR PRO representative to start recycling your fryer oil risk-free: 855-DAR-PRO1 (855-327-7761). 

Contact Sales

For customer service inquiries call our toll free number (855) 327-7761

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06/15/2020