A new foodservice opportunity—paired with a hidden operational risk
Convenience stores are evolving. What used to be a place for gas and snacks is now offering hot chicken sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, full breakfast menus, and freshly fried food—all in a grab-and-go format. Metro stores and traditional c-stores alike are embracing fast food service as a way to bring customers back into the store and boost per-visit revenue.
But along with this transformation comes a new responsibility: managing used cooking oil safely, cleanly, and profitably.
It’s an area that’s often overlooked by operators who are new to foodservice. Most don’t realize how quickly oil management can become a liability—or an opportunity—depending on how it’s handled.
What happens to oil after it’s used?
Any time a fryer is running, you’re generating used cooking oil (often referred to as UCO). Without a system in place, staff may end up manually carrying hot oil across floors, risking burns, slips, and messes. Some stores use open barrels outside for oil disposal, exposing themselves to theft, contamination, and environmental fines.
Even worse, many operators sign up for service packages that appear convenient but give away the real value: the oil itself.
What many don’t realize is that used cooking oil is a valuable commodity—a feedstock for renewable fuels. If you don’t own your system, you may be handing over your oil to someone else—along with the rebate dollars it’s worth.
Rent vs. Own: The choice with long-term impact
Some service providers offer to lease you tanks and equipment for your fresh and used oil. But in doing so, they often retain ownership of the oil and the control over your supplier choices. You’re locked in—no ability to source your own oil brand or respond to shifts in ingredient trends like the growing popularity of tallow or other specialty oils.
OilCare takes a different approach. We install and service the system, but you own the tank—and more importantly, you own the oil. That means:
- You keep 100% of any rebate from used oil
- You choose what kind of fresh oil you want to use
- You aren’t tied to a long-term contract or a single supplier
And when it comes time for pick-up, we do that too—on your schedule, without disrupting your operations.
Safety and compliance: built in, not optional
Used oil is a combustible liquid and needs to be stored securely, especially near fuel pumps, parking lots, or drainage systems. That’s why our systems feature double-wall containment tanks—built to meet UL and NFPA standards. They’re designed to prevent spills and keep your team and community safe.
And with our M3™ Data Management system, you’ll get real-time visibility into tank levels and collection history—helping you stay compliant, efficient, and informed.
A system that grows with your store
Whether you’re operating one metro-format store or expanding across a region, your oil system should be a long-term asset, not a monthly invoice. With smart solutions like EZ Oil™ for bulk fresh oil dispensing and complete UCO pickup service, OilCare makes it easy to scale without sacrificing control.
Ready to learn more?
We’ve helped hundreds of c-stores transition to safe, streamlined oil systems that work behind the scenes—so your team can stay focused on food, not fat.