The other day I thought the word homeowners, interestingly I started interviewing people at work asking what they did with their used oil. So far 100% have told me after they fill up a few coffee cans, they tape the lid shut, disquise it in the middle of a trash bag and throw it out. Maybe a neighborhood collection program is in order. BTW a few have already offered to bring me their used oil to work with them LOL!
Miles

I'm assuming you made the distinction that you're talking about WVO not WMO?

That might work, but I think there wouldn't be enough to make it worth your while, or you'd spend so much time collecting oil from all across town it would take too long.

But if you could get enough people to commit and end up getting enough good oil, that might just work.

Yes WVO, one girl I talked to had 4-5 gallons in a kitchen cupboard even willing to bring to work with her. If they all bring it to work I'll have no traveling and minimal time spent (pour it in a container in my pickup bed). Less oil in the landfill and an untapped market. I think it could work. If every house on my street has a gallon (ie no travel) I would have more than enough for a batch. Always thinking.
Miles

Yeah, that would probably work for one tank full, but who knows how long it'd before you could collect again.

But still a good idea.

quote:

Originally posted by Bio-Texas-DFW:
Yeah, that would probably work for one tank full, but who knows how long it'd before you could collect again.

But still a good idea.

Heck, take it, say thank you, and chalk it up to good press and raising awareness. If you work at a big enough site, maybe they will let you put a 55 gallon collection barrel out back for people to bring it in and dump it.
I collect 2 5-gallon carboys a week from a mom and pop diner in town. I'm beginning to get a pile of empty carboys. If you have the same problem you could provide them to the homeowners for them to put their grease in. Maybe a swap deal. They give you a full one, you say thank you and give them an empty one to carry home.

-Jim

thats what i'm thinkin Jim Lol

Miles

I am saying it's a great way to promote awareness and a good way to get some extra oil, but I think it would be an unreliable way for your main source, or it'd take too long or too much of your time to make it your main source of oil.

I don't intend to discourage anyone from trying it. I was just thinking it would be a lot of work or very little oil.

Absolutely!
The only way it could turn into a decient source is if you lived in one of those communities with a local recycling center and got it approved for you to add a barrel there. And even then it would only be one stop on your pickup list. And since it is donation dependant it would be highly variable in how much it collected.
The only problem with a donation barrel is praying that no one adds their old motor oil to your cooking oil.
-Jim

After Thanksgiving (and other holidays) you could offer to dispose of used turkey-fryer grease.

I used that for my first test batches.

Neil

That is a good idea. You would need to start putting the info out now so that the grease does not end up on the ground an hour after dinner is done.
Maybe talk to walmart about putting some nice printed contact info tags on the shelf next to the 5 gallon jug of peanut oil that they sell for $23+ bucks (marketed as oil for a turkey fryer.)
For that matter, if you are going to advertize a collection point the best place to do it is at the source! Right there in the cooking oil section.
However, this all goes back to attracting attention to yourself and how it will lead to a visit from your local friendly government type. If you have an official set up with the right permits, that is great. If you are the back yard guy, it is a no-go.

-Jim
Maybe keep it simple and go with word of mouth is best...

Great idea!