Why used cooking oil has a price
Used cooking oil is a raw material. Once it is collected, filtered and processed, it becomes a feedstock for renewable fuels such as biodiesel. Because buyers downstream pay for that feedstock, the oil leaving your kitchen has real value.
That is why a growing number of kitchens no longer give their oil away. A collector that pays per litre shares part of that value with the business that produced the oil.
1. Volume
Volume is the biggest factor. Collecting 300 litres from one factory costs less per litre than collecting 20 litres from fifteen cafés, because the truck, the driver and the time are shared over more oil.
Small kitchens are still worth collecting: on a well-planned route, several nearby restaurants are served in one trip.
2. Quality
Clean oil is worth more. Oil full of food particles, mixed with other fats or heavily burnt needs more processing before it can be recycled.
Straining the oil through a simple mesh before pouring it into the container is the easiest way to protect its value.
3. Water content
Water is the enemy of used cooking oil. It adds weight without value and has to be removed later. Containers left open near sinks or washing areas often collect water.
Keep lids closed and store containers in a dry place.
4. Pickup frequency
A regular schedule lets the collector plan efficient routes. Kitchens on a fixed weekly or two-weekly day are easier to serve than one-off requests, which helps keep the price stable.
5. Access and handling
Easy access saves time: a back entrance, containers ready at the agreed time and a short walk to the truck. Hard-to-reach sites take longer on every visit.
How SellMyOil sets your price
We look at your weekly volume, the type of kitchen and your location, then write a price per litre into a simple agreement before the first pickup. The price on our website calculator is an indicative estimate; your final price is confirmed after the first visit.
Every pickup then shows the litres, the price and the total on your receipt and in your online account, so you always know what you were paid and why.
Ready to get paid for your oil? Book a free pickup or see how it works.
