Dealing with fat, oil and grease in your food business

The cost of using and disposing of fats, oils and grease varies according to the type and size of your food business. Being aware of the costs can help you decide how you will manage fats, oils and grease.

Costs of using fat, oil and grease

The potential costs of using fat, oil and grease include:

Purchase and disposal

A medium-sized restaurant or takeaway business typically spends £3,000-£4,000 per year on cooking oils. You should collect fats, oils and grease in a suitable container and have them disposed of by a licensed waste contractor. 

Cleaning materials

For example, washing-up liquid, dishwasher detergent and sanitiser. Generally, a medium-sized hot-food business will spend £1,000 to £3,000 per year on cleaning chemicals.

Fines and prosecutions

Problems due to fat, oil and grease in drains can prevent you from complying with food hygiene rules. This could result in you being prosecuted or receiving a prohibition order that stops you from trading at your premises.

Clearing blockages in pipes and drains

An estimated £15 million is spent on clearing blockages each year in the UK. These tend to be a result of fats, oils and grease. Avoiding these blockages will help you avoid costs and disruption to your business. If Northern Ireland Water finds you have contributed to a sewer blockage, they may seek to recover clearance costs from you. See their guidance on fat, oil and grease blockages.

Accidents

Staff slipping on or spilling fats, oils and grease can lead to them being off work and possible injury claims against your business. One solution is to buy a heavy-duty hygiene mat, although these cost around £1,000.

Fires

These can have major impacts including the cost of replacing equipment, repairing damaged premises and loss of business while the kitchen is closed. There is even the potential for injury, loss of life and business closure. A fire may also affect neighbouring properties and businesses.