For restaurants, takeaways, and caterers in the UK, used cooking oil (UCO) isn’t just the greasy leftovers at the bottom of the fryer, it’s a regulated waste stream with rules you can’t ignore. Every drop has to be stored, collected, and recycled properly. Skip the rules, and you could be looking at fines, food safety penalties, reputational headaches, or even a shut kitchen.
The good news? Managing used frying oil the right way is simpler than it sounds. With a licensed collector, you’ll tick all the compliance boxes, keep inspectors happy, protect the environment, and even turn waste into extra revenue. Not bad for yesterday’s chips!
Why Cooking Oil is Regulated in the UK
In the UK, waste cooking oil is classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. That means every food business has a legal duty of care to store, transport, and dispose of UCO correctly.
Pouring oil down the drain or mixing it with general waste is not only illegal but highly damaging: it solidifies in pipes, causes blockages, and leads to expensive repairs and fatbergs in the sewer system. It also pollutes waterways and damages infrastructure.
The Legal Requirements for Used Cooking Oil Disposal
Food businesses must follow several key regulations set by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the relevant environmental authorities (Environment Agency in England, SEPA in Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, and DAERA in Northern Ireland).
1. Store Oil Safely
Keep used oil in sealed, clearly labelled containers placed well away from drains and food areas. If you store more than 1,000 litres, additional measures such as bunded storage or extra licensing may be required.
2. Use a Licensed Waste Collector
Only work with a Licensed Waste Collector who is registered. You can check the licence number in the official registers.
At Quatra, we’re fully certified. Our waste carrier licence is CBDU341591.
3. Get a Waste Transfer Note (WTN)
Every collection must be documented with a Waste Transfer Note (WTN). It records what was collected, by whom, and where it’s going. This is your legal proof that the oil left your business responsibly.
4. Keep Records for Two Years
You must keep WTNs for at least two years. If you have regular, identical collections, you can use a season ticket (valid for up to 12 months) to simplify the paperwork.
Quatra even pays you for your used cooking oil!
The Benefits of Cooking Oil Recycling
Complying with Used Cooking Regulations isn’t just about avoiding fines. Responsible collection ensures that waste oil is recycled into biodiesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reducing carbon emissions and supporting the circular economy. Customers are increasingly aware of sustainability, and businesses that act responsibly strengthen their brand reputation.
There is also a direct financial benefit. At Quatra, we collect used cooking oil safely and compliantly, and we even pay you for it. That means your waste becomes a source of extra income while contributing to a cleaner planet.
How Quatra Supports UK Restaurants with Cooking Oil Recycling
At Quatra, we make used cooking oil collection simple and worry-free. Our licensed service ensures safe storage, reliable pickup, and full compliance with UK regulations, with all Waste Transfer Notes provided for your records. Every drop we collect is transformed into raw material for sustainable aviation fuel, turning your kitchen waste into clean energy for the future.