FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have any questions regarding our used cooking oil and grease trap services or our commitment to sustainability? Find answers to frequently asked questions below.
Service Overview
How does the service work?
Once your account is set up, we’ll drop off a clean, durable container at your location for collecting used cooking oil. You will simply pour your used cooking oil into the container as you go. We’ll pick up the full container at a frequency that fits your needs: weekly, biweekly, or monthly. The collected oil is recycled safely and sustainably, helping you stay compliant and eco-friendly.
How long does it take to set up an account? And when will I get my 1st pickup?
Once the contract is signed, the account setup is done quickly. For used cooking oil containers, we typically ask for 10-14 days for delivery. If your location is near a depot or a Regional Account Manager, delivery may happen sooner. For new Grease Trap accounts, the set-up process can take 30 - 45 days before the first service.
How do you determine the amount of oil collected on each service?
Our trucks are equipped with onboard measuring devices (like a flow meter or digital gauge) that automatically measure the oil collected. It allows us to determine the exact amount collected on each trip.
Do I have to call for an oil pickup?
You may need to call in because your container filled up sooner than our frequency calculator determined, or your location is on a call-in-only schedule (meaning pickups only happen when you request them).
Who do I call if I need a pickup?
If you need a pickup, you can contact our customer service team by calling 800-892-9392, texting 971-254-2033, or submitting an online form.
How often do you pick up the oil?
The frequency of our used cooking oil pickups depends on how much oil your facility generates and the size of your tank storage capacity. Our team schedules collections based on your typical usage to ensure your tank doesn’t overflow. If you need a pickup sooner than expected, you can request an earlier pickup by calling 800-892-9392, texting 971-254-2033, or submitting an online form to reach us.
Do you pick up on weekends?
Normal service hours are provided Monday through Friday. Emergency services, if needed, are available in some markets.
Do you clean/power wash the area?
Customers are responsible for keeping their used oil tank and the surrounding area clean and well-maintained. Mahoney will assist when needed and will clean up any spills determined to have occurred during our collection process. We recommend that restaurants keep oil-absorbent materials on hand to quickly contain any spills that may occur between pickups.
How quickly can you respond to a spill or unscheduled pick-up?
Depending on the severity of the situation and our current routing, we aim to respond to emergency spills or unscheduled pick-ups within 24 - 48 hours. We also recommend that restaurants keep oil-consuming materials on hand to quickly contain any spills that may occur in the meantime.
Will you remove the competitor’s tank?
No, we do not typically remove a competitor’s tank because it is not our property.
Used Cooking Oil Collection
How do I sign up?
Signing up is simple and convenient! Fill out our form or give us a call for an Regional Account Manager get you set up with a complementary used cooking oil bin and regular pick-up schedule.
Is there a fee for the service?
There is NO COST for used cooking oil recycling service!
How does used cooking oil recycling work?
After a Regional Account Manager meets with you to assess your needs, we will provide you with a clean, durable storage container to store used cooking oil, and arrange a collection schedule for you. After each collection, we will record the amount of useable oil, which is usually the majority of the total volume collected. Any rebates will be issued based on that amount depending on your volume.
Can I get my oil picked up more frequently?
Frequencies are set based on your historical used cooking oil production and the size of your container. We understand that used cooking oil production can increase based on a variety of factors. If you find your container is filling up more frequently than usual, let us know and we’ll adjust the schedule.
My container is full and I need to change my fryer. What should I do?
Call, text, or email customer service for a pickup and store additional oil in buckets or containers that the cooking oil originally comes in, next to our container. Make sure to notify customer service of the additional used cooking oil so we can notify the driver.
Can you also pump out my grease trap?
Yes! We offer grease trap cleaning service in many areas. This is a separate service, and pricing can vary. Please contact customer service for additional information.
Where are my rebate checks?
Customer Service must confirm we have the proper address and when the last check was received.
Is there a public drop-off for Used Cooking Oil?
There is no public drop-off for residential used cooking oil. You must be a business for Mahoney to service you. We offer one-time services for special events, such as festivals and fairs.
What size and type of containers do you have?
We offer a variety of indoor and outdoor used cooking oil containers to fit your operation’s needs. Our sales team will work with you to determine the best solution for your restaurant, including the right size, placement (indoor or outdoor), and whether our direct-connect equipment is the best fit. You can learn more about our used cooking oil containment options here.
When will my tank be delivered?
Mahoney typically asks for a minimum of 10 - 14 days for tank deliveries. In some cases, delivery may be completed sooner depending on the proximity of one of our depots or Regional Account Managers to your location.
Are used cooking oil collection tanks ever replaced?
Yes, tanks can be replaced if a tank is damaged, stolen, or we need to change the tank for servicing purposes.
Are you going to clean our tank when it gets dirty?
Routine cleaning and maintenance of the used oil tank are the customer’s responsibility. Mahoney will assist when needed and will clean up if it's determined that the mess occurred during our collection process.
What should I do if I see a truck I don’t recognize picking up my used cooking oil?
First, call your local police - do not confront the individuals. Note any details you can, such as the vehicle's license plate, make, model, and any distinguishing features. Once you’ve done these two things, please contact Mahoney by calling 800-892-9392 or submit a Grease Theft Incident form.
Do you use generic box trucks to service customers?
No, we do not use Penske or U-Haul rental trucks to collect your used cooking oil. If you see one, it’s more than likely theft. Please call the police immediately and then contact Mahoney by calling 800-892-9392 or by filling out a Grease Theft Incident form.
How do I keep my oil secure?
To protect your used cooking oil, keep your used cooking oil container in a locked area that has security cameras monitoring it. If this is not possible, ensure that the container is always securely locked to prevent unauthorized access.
My rebates are lower than normal, but my oil usage is the same. What should I do?
If your used cooking oil volume hasn’t changed but your rebates are lower than usual, oil theft may have occurred. If you have security cameras monitoring your used cooking oil container, check for anyone collecting oil who isn't in a Mahoney uniform or driving a Mahoney vehicle. If theft is suspected, report to the police and then contact Mahoney at 800-892-9392 or submit a Grease Theft Incident form.
Who do I call if I suspect my oil is being stolen?
First, call your local police. Then you need to contact Mahoney by calling 800-892-9392 or by filling out a Grease Theft Incident form.
Grease Trap Cleaning
How do I get a quote?
Pricing for grease trap service varies on the size, location and condition of your trap. Please contact us or call (800) 892-9392 to arrange a consultation with one of our Regional Account Manager.
How frequently should I clean my trap?
Cleaning frequency will vary depending on the size of your trap and the amount of grease used in your kitchen. Most cities require traps be cleaned frequently enough to maintain less than a specified level of FOG (fats, oils and greases) accumulation. This usually results in cleaning at least once per quarter, and sometimes more frequently. Our Regional Account Manager can help you determine an appropriate cleaning frequency.
What happens to the FOG you clean out of my trap?
99% of the grease trap material we pump is taken to anaerobic digesters, where it is turned into clean energy for heating and power. The remainder is processed at our licensed facilities and treated according to local environmental regulations. No grease trap material is ever put down the drain.
My trap is overflowing. Can you help?
Overflowing grease traps can either be the result of going too long between cleanings, or a problem with your pipes. In either scenario, we recommend you consult with a plumber to ensure the issue is addressed swiftly and completely.
Can you also take my used cooking oil?
Yes! We offer FREE used cooking oil recycling service. Please contact customer service to get started.
How can I pay for my grease trap service?
We offer a variety of options to pay for your service.
- Auto-pay: Call our Accounting Team to set up your account on auto-pay with a credit card (800) 892-9392
- Pay Online: Visit our payment page - www.mahoneyes.com/make-a-payment/
- Check: Check the invoice you received for the address to send in your payment.
Where do I mail checks to pay for grease trap services?
Check the invoice you received for the address to send in your payment. Call our Accounting Team to set up your account on autopay with a credit card, (800) 892-9392, or make a payment online www.mahoneyes.com/make-a-payment/
Payment & Fees
How much do we get in rebates for UCO per pound?
Rebates are calculated based on market value at the time of collection.
How long does it take to start receiving rebates, and how is it calculated?
Rebates are calculated based on market value at the time of collection and paid out the following month based on volume and yield from each month’s collected volume.
Contracts
Is there a contract?
Yes, Mahoney provides service contracts that establish traceability and ownership of used cooking oil. These agreements protect both our customers and Mahoney from potential theft and ensure proper handling and accountability for all collected oil.
Sustainability
What is renewable fuel?
Neste MY Renewable Diesel™ (R99 diesel) is a sustainable, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) that is chemically identical to fossil diesel. It’s a drop-in replacement that performs like fossil diesel and can be used without any modifications, neat or blended at any ratio.
How is renewable fuel better for the environment?
Renewable diesel fuel has several advantages over fossil diesel. Compared to fossil diesel, renewable
diesel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) over its life cycle.
How is renewable fuel different from biodiesel?
Renewable diesel, or HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), is sometimes confused with biodiesel or FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). The main differences between the two are found in their chemical compositions, performances in cold weather and storage qualities. Biodiesel contains oxygen, making it different from both fossil diesel and renewable diesel and renewable diesel and therefore it cannot act as a 100% substitute. Nearly all OEMs limit biodiesel content to 20% with some only allowing 5%
What does Neste do?
Neste is in the business of fighting climate change! They are committed to helping North American businesses and cities reduce their carbon footprint through renewable solutions. Mahoney (formerly SeQuential) plays a role in this mission by collecting and supplying used cooking oil that is transformed into renewable fuels. Learn more about Neste here.
How is Mahoney related to Neste?
Mahoney is a subsidiary of Neste as of 2019.
Location & Processing
Where are you based out of?
Our headquarters is in Woodridge, IL, and we operate processing plants and facilities across the US to serve customers nationwide.
Where does the oil go when it’s picked up, and what happens to it?
After we collect your used cooking oil, it’s transported to one of our processing facilities, where we remove impurities such as water, food particles, and breading. Once cleaned, the refined oil is sold and converted into renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.
Call Us Now (800) 892-9392