Every successful restaurant needs all hands-on deck to meet customer demands during the busiest times of the day. When the lunch hour or dinner rush hits, getting used cooking oil out properly is difficult. With a few innovative strategies, you can make the process run smoothly and quickly, so it’s possible to serve customers efficiently and meet your sustainability goals for oil recycling. Browse these tips from SeQuential to learn more about removing used cooking oil from restaurants during your busiest times.
Reuse Your Cooking Oil
When there’s no time to take used cooking oil to your collection container, reuse it if possible. It will save the time it takes to move oil to the container and eliminate the need to refill fryers and other cooking equipment. It’s safe to use cooking oil multiple times in most cases, but keep a close eye on it when you do. If the oil becomes cloudy or starts to smell, this indicates it is breaking down and should be replaced. And remember, the smoke point of oil decreases each time you use a batch. Accordingly, you may not be able to reuse oil for high-temperature frying, but it can be repurposed for other lower-temperature tasks.
Make Cleanliness a Constant Priority
Cleaning your oil collection container and the pathway to it allows for quick and easy disposal. An employee should be able to take a spare moment to step away to complete the task. Keep the area between your oil collection container and the kitchen clear of debris and equipment so employees can move efficiently. You should also follow best practices whenever disposing of oil to make pouring smooth and to help prevent messy backups. At the end of each day, take time to scrape the container’s top grate to prevent clogs. Finally, emphasize that only used oil may be placed in the container. Any food debris or trash can gum up the grates, causing spills that make extra work and take the focus off creating the food your patrons love.
Store it for Later
If you don’t have time for repeated trips outside during a rush, use an intermediate container for temporary storage. Keep the oil in a durable plastic or glass container with an airtight seal to avoid any contamination before disposal. The containers that oil comes in offer great temporary storage until before taking a trip to the recycling container. You may store your intermediate containers in a cool, dark place for weeks at a time and reuse the oil if it remains in good condition.
Make Your Oil Recycling Process Efficient
Running a restaurant can be hectic and unpredictable, especially when peak hours hit and customers pour in. With a plan in place for used cooking oil disposal, your employees can maintain your oil recycling program with ease. If you’re ready to learn more about recycling used cooking oil from restaurants, contact SeQuential today. We provide every customer with a free collection container and regular pickups that accommodate your busy schedule, and you’ll feel good about turning restaurant waste into clean, renewable fuel.