Grease Connections has collected cooking oil from Homestead kitchens since 2019, turning waste into clean biodiesel while helping restaurants avoid costly grease violations. Our local drivers, bilingual support team, and weather‑proof bins keep your back‑of‑house running smoothly—no contracts, no hidden fees.
Why Homestead Kitchens Choose Us (99.1 % on‑time pickups last year)
- Early‑morning routes — trucks finish before the Everglades airboat crowds jam US‑1.
- Space‑saving bins — slim designs roll through standard doorways and tuck behind produce stands on Krome Ave.
- Weatherproof lids — seal out tropical downpours so rebate weights stay accurate.
- Instant paperwork — e‑manifests upload to Miami‑Dade’s portal, ending surprise compliance issues.
- Cash rebates — earn $0.40–0.50 per gallon paid every quarter.
- Seasonal flexibility — extra pickups during the Homestead‑Miami Speedway NASCAR weekend at no surcharge.
How It Works
- Schedule a free walk‑through—same‑day estimates in most 33030, 33033, 33034, 33035 ZIP codes.
- Swap & Scan—we drop a clean bin, tag it with a QR code, and show your staff how to use it in five minutes.
- Collect & Pay—drivers empty the bin on your set day, you get an email receipt, and rebates arrive by ACH.
How We Recycle
Your used cooking oil travels 32 miles up the Turnpike to our BQ‑9000–certified (national quality program ensuring top‑grade biodiesel) processing plant in Hialeah. There it’s transformed into clean‑burning biodiesel that powers Miami‑Dade school buses and backup generators for Homestead Hospital.
The 4‑Step Journey
- Collect — sealed bins roll onto our spill‑proof truck.
- Filter & Clean — oil is strained to remove food bits and water.
- Refine — advanced reactors convert it into ASTM‑approved biodiesel.
- Fuel Up — finished fuel blends head right back to South Florida fleets, cutting carbon emissions by 78 %.
Our facility meets EPA RFS2 standards, so every gallon you recycle counts toward federal renewable fuel targets.
Homestead Pickup Map & Schedule
| Pickup Zone | ZIP Codes | Service Days | Typical Time Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Dixie Corridor | 33030 | Mon & Thu | 6 – 8 a.m. |
| Gateway to the Keys | 33034 | Tue & Fri | 7 – 9 a.m. |
| Fruit & Wine District | 33031, 33033 | Wed & Sat | 5:30 – 7:30 a.m. |
| Speedway Surge (event) | 33035 | On‑demand (race days) | 4:30 – 7 a.m. |
Add a map highlighting each zone; color coding matches the table.
Our routes hug Campbell Drive to avoid US‑1 bottlenecks and loop back on SW 328th St. after school drop‑off clears. On race weekends, drivers stage on Speedway Blvd. two hours before the first gate opens, ensuring bins at concession stands are empty before crowds arrive.
Bin Options Made for Homestead Kitchens
| Bin Size | Best For | Local Example |
|---|---|---|
| Small (55 gal) | Juice bars & fruit stands with weekly output under 40 gal | Robert Is Here Fruit Stand on SW 344th St. |
| Standard (140 gal) | BBQ joints with narrow corridors | Shiver’s BBQ on Dixie Hwy. |
| High‑Capacity (240 gal) | Large venues & hotels | Homestead‑Miami Speedway concessions |
All bins include a weatherproof lid that locks out rain and pests and meets Miami‑Dade fire‑code clearance.
Pricing & Rebates
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bin rental | FREE |
| Scheduled pickup | FREE |
| Smart fill‑level sensor (optional) | $15 / month |
| Rebate paid to you | $0.40–$0.50 per gal |
No setup fees, no long‑term contract—cancel any time with 30 days’ notice.
Emergency pickup — 4‑hour response
$95 flat dispatch fee + standard rebate still applies. Available 6 a.m.–10 p.m., seven days a week within Homestead and a 15‑mile radius. Our crew pumps, sanitizes, and resets your bin so kitchen operations resume in under 30 minutes.
Service Tiers at a Glance
| Business Size | Monthly Volume | Typical Pickup Schedule | Estimated Quarterly Rebate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 25 – 40 gal | Every 2–3 weeks | $40 – $60 |
| Medium | 40 – 100 gal | Weekly | $120 – $180 |
| Large | 100 + gal | 1–2× per week | $200 + |
Numbers shown are averages—actual rebates depend on oil quality and commodity prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will pickups block our alley during morning produce deliveries?
No. Our compact truck averages 7‑minute stops before produce trucks reach Krome Ave.
2. What happens if my bin overflows?
Overflow protection is part of our No‑Mess Guarantee—we clean the area and cover any city fines.
3. How soon do I receive my rebate?
Quarterly ACH payments arrive within 15 days of quarter‑end; a statement shows gallons collected.
4. Are your drivers bilingual?
Yes. Homestead crews speak Spanish and English; several also speak Haitian Creole.
5. Do you handle hurricane prep?
Bins stay secure with locking casters; indoor caddies roll inside if you prefer extra protection.
6. Do we produce enough oil to qualify for service?
If you average at least 25 gallons per month, you qualify for free service. Rebates start once you recycle 40 gallons in a single month. Smaller cafés can opt into our shared‑route plan.
What is the shared‑route program?
We group businesses that produce under 25 gal/month onto one fuel‑efficient truck run. You pay $10 per pickup (covers fuel) and still earn rebates after 40 gal. Perfect for weekend‑only fryers: we swing by Café La Carreta every Monday morning to clear the 10–15 gal they collect Friday‑Sunday.
Customer Success Stories
“During NASCAR week we double our fryers, and they added extra pickups without extra fees.”
Tamara Ruiz, F&B Manager, Homestead‑Miami Speedway
“Our fruit smoothies leave sticky oil residue. Their 55‑gal bin fits right behind the stand and keeps pests away.”
Robert Moehling, Owner, Robert Is Here Fruit Stand
“Since switching, we’ve had zero grease violations and earned $189 last quarter.”
Pete Shiver, Pitmaster, Shiver’s BBQ
“As a tiny Cuban café, we only fry on weekends. The shared‑route plan saves us money and headaches.”
Lucia Torres, Owner, Café La Carreta on Campbell Dr.
Local Expertise & Credentials
- 6 years serving Homestead kitchens
- Registered hauler with Miami‑Dade Public Works
- EPA SmartWay transport partner — lower‑emission fleet reduces your carbon footprint
- BQ‑9000 quality management — guarantees clean, engine‑safe biodiesel
- Member, South Dade Chamber of Commerce
- Staff safety certified under OSHA 1910.106
Certifications Explained
| Certification | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| BQ‑9000 | Fuel meets strict ASTM D6751 specs—protects diesel engines and maximizes rebate value. |
| EPA SmartWay | Trucks run cleaner, so recycling lowers overall greenhouse‑gas emissions. |
| OSHA 1910.106 | Safe handling of flammable liquids—reduces workplace risk and insurance claims. |
How We Compare
| Feature | Grease Connections | Typical Hauler | Self‑Dispose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early AM pickups | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Weatherproof lid | ✔ | Sometimes | ✖ |
| Free bin & service | ✔ | Fees vary | Fuel & time cost |
| Rebate paid | ✔ | Low or none | ✖ |
| Digital compliance docs | ✔ | Paper only | — |
Ready to Get Started?
Call or text “HOMESTEAD” to (305) 204-5207 for our free services. Prefer email? Click “Start Recycling” below—our team can drop a bin as early as tomorrow morning.
A Greener Homestead
Last year we kept 102,700 gal of oil out of the C‑111 Canal—equal to removing 260 cars from US‑1 for a year. Join scores of local kitchens already turning waste into renewable fuel.