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Your fried oil suddenly worth real money
Because renewable diesel makers now fight for every gallon of used cooking oil. Refinery demand pushed U.S. spot prices from the mid 20 ¢/lb range in 2020 to above 50 ¢/lb in early 2025. That swing can add thousands to your annual rebate, tracked in the live price dashboard inside your Grease Connections portal. U.S. collectors gathered only 3.3 billion lb in 2024 while refiners needed 5.7 billion lb, proving supply is short. With that gap, every drop in your lock sealed tote becomes premium renewable diesel feedstock that keeps multi million dollar plants running.
How does renewable diesel turn grease into “drop in” fuel?
Renewable diesel is hydro treated oil that meets the same ASTM D975 spec as petroleum diesel, so fleets can pour it straight into existing engines. U.S. output hit 170,000 b/d in 1Q25 after producers expanded capacity nearly 20 % since early 2024. Announced projects still point to 5.1 billion gallons of capacity by 2025, dwarfing biodiesel growth. Grease Connections keeps that pipeline flowing with food grade, moisture tight hoses that protect oil quality and your payout.
What regulations shove UCO prices higher
Federal and state carbon rules turn your waste oil into a compliance credit factory. The EPA’s 2023 25 RFS lifts biomass based diesel obligations from 2.82 to 3.35 billion gallons, while total renewable fuel rises to 22.33 billion RINs. California’s LCFS aims for a 20 % carbon intensity cut by 2030 and already trades billions in credits yearly. Oregon and Washington follow the same template, keeping West Coast oil bids hot. Your Grease Connections account auto generates RIN and LCFS paperwork, so you capture every cent without extra admin.
How big is the biofuel appetite for used oil
The global biodiesel market was $42.43 billion in 2024 and is forecast to double to $92.45 billion by 2034. Europe alone bought $1.77 billion of used oil in 2024 and expects 7 % CAGR through 2030. U.S. fleets now burn renewable diesel on routes where diesel once ruled, aided by Grease Connections’ double walled vacuum tanks that stop water intrusion and keep CI scores low for buyers. Tight global growth means your fryer oil stays in demand even when crude prices wobble.
Does Europe keep the bidding war alive
Yes European refiners face stricter carbon caps and pay premiums, pushing ARA spot prices to $1,070 / t in December 2024, a two year high. Importers still compete with U.S. Gulf buyers, keeping domestic bids firm. Grease Connections lab grades every load to export specs, letting traders route your oil to whichever market pays most that week.
Will sustainable aviation fuel send prices higher still
Airlines need 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030 under U.S. climate goals, and today most SAF is made from used cooking oil. Chinese investors alone are spending over $1 billion on plants that turn waste oil into jet fuel for export. Feedstock scarcity already squeezes margins, and Reuters warns supply is “tight.” Grease Connections’ tamper proof chain of custody tags certify your grease for SAF producers chasing IRA tax credits, boosting your price floor long term.
How do you lock in top value right now
Avoid market swings, spill fines, and paperwork by scheduling pickups with our 24/7 monitored tanks and spill fine guarantee. We price against Fastmarkets benchmarks and wire funds within 24 hours, no long term contract needed.
