Recycled oil undergoes a comprehensive refining process to remove impurities and restore its quality so it can be reused, reducing waste and the demand for new oil. High-quality recycled oil can perform just as well as new oil if it meets industry standards and certifications. Moreover, it looks almost indistinguishable from regular oil and is starting to be used in equal capacity.

From a food service standpoint, there are no safe or appetizing ways to recycle waste fryer oil into new cooking oil appropriate for food preparation. Waste fryer oil is instead recycled into biodiesel, industrial lubricants or solvents, animal feed additives or consumer products like soap and cosmetics. You won’t find recycled seed oil on the market – and even if you did, you probably wouldn’t want to use it.

There are some “re-refined” motor oils. These are used motor oils that have been collected at servicing stations and processed at re-refiners to remove contaminants like water, dirt, fuel and other particulates. Additives are then added to bolster some of the performance characteristics that have been degraded due to the oil already having been used, like improving heat stability and corrosion resistance. In many cases, re-refined motor oils are combined with virgin oil for a more consistent product, although it is technically possible to find 100-percent re-refined oil.

Whether you trust recycled oil or not is up to you. Motor oil purchased in the U.S. still needs to receive certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API), so there is some degree of quality assurance in the recycled oil market.

What’s Used to Make Recycled Oil vs. Biodiesel?

Re-refined motor oil is derived from used motor oil. Cooking oil and any other oil that’s been degraded through use can be used to make other products, like biodiesel. Put simply, nearly all types of oil waste can be processed and repurposed to prevent its disposal in landfills.

Types of Recycled Oil

• Re-Refined Base Oil: Re-refined base oil is the most common type. The used oil is cleaned and refined to produce high-quality base oil, suitable for blending into new lubricants and enhancing its quality.

• Reclaimed Oil: Reclaimed oil isn’t processed as extensively as re-refined oil and is typically used in industrial applications where high purity is not as critical.



• Biodiesel: Biodiesel, a renewable alternative to petroleum diesel, is made from used waste cooking oil and animal fats.

What Is Required for Recycled Oils to Qualify for Sale?

Approximately 380 million gallons of used oil are recycled each year. Before those gallons can be used for lubricants or hydraulic fluids, they must be approved by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to verify they have been thoroughly cleaned and refined to remove contaminants and will perform reliably and safely. In order to receive these certifications, the recycled oil is tested to ensure its viscosity, purity and performance are up to industry standards.

Does the Lower Grade of Recycled Oil Restrict It From Certain Uses?

Car engines and industrial equipment require premium oils to not just perform optimally but also meet strict industry standards. Only high-quality recycled oil that’s been re-refined is suitable for these applications. At Southern Green Industries, we work hard to ensure the biodiesel we refine through waste oil recycling exceeds all quality standards, guaranteeing it provides reliable performance with a fraction of the emissions.

How to Tell If You’re Buying Used Oil?

Typically, buyers can rely on certification labels on the package to confirm if a used oil is high-quality or not. Moreover, recycled oil tends to sell at a lower price. If you find motor oil or lubricant products that cost far less than alternative products, they may be recycled or a blend of virgin and recycled oil. 

The color and clarity of oil can sometimes indicate if it is recycled. Recycled oil tends to have a slightly darker hue than new oil due to the re-refining process. If the oil is exceedingly dark and murky, however, it may not be a reliable quality.

We’ve Been Recycling Waste Fryer Oil for Commercial Kitchens in Atlanta Since 2007

Southern Green Industries is the greenest grease trap cleaning service in Atlanta. We have “Green” in our name because we go above and beyond to give Atlanta businesses environmentally responsible services so they can have peace of mind that they’re reducing their community’s carbon footprint.

Our professionals have the experience and resources to help you keep your kitchen running smoothly without fines and penalties due to improper FOG removal or waste fryer oil disposal. Learn more about our fryer oil recycling services on our website or call (404) 419-6887 for a free grease trap cleaning or waste oil recycling quote.