SACRAMENTO – Who knew? Used kitchen grease has become a hot commodity, so hot that fryer oil rustling has become big business, complete with clandestine operators who strike in the night.
Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) has introduced AB 1566 to combat the growing incidences of kitchen grease theft by giving law enforcement the tools they need to stop these modern-day oil rustlers.
“Many people may be surprised to learn that kitchen grease is an important source of biodiesel to fuel cars and trucks, and that its value has skyrocketed in recent years,” explained Assemblymember Holden. “It use to be restaurants had to pay someone to take it away. Now it’s like the Wild West out there, everybody’s fighting over it and we need to get a better handle on regulations.”
Existing law already requires licensed renderers to record and keep paperwork for two years. But, enforcement has been spotty and there are many illegal transporters cruising alleyways at night. AB 1566 would increase the penalties for noncompliance and help sort out the legitimate companies from the thieves.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, a typical fast-food restaurant produces 150-250 pounds of grease a week and a fully loaded pumper truck could bring in as much as $900 at a recycling center.
“There are significant environmental benefits to turning kitchen grease into practical commodities that can be used in animal feed, cosmetics, soaps and by the biofuel industry,” concluded Assemblymember Holden. “It’s not going to solve the energy crisis, but it will put a dent in our dependence on foreign oil.”
CONTACT: Wendy Gordon, 626.720-3409