Greasing the Wheels of Sustainability: Why Cooking Oil Waste Needs EPR Attention

Unpacking the Overlooked Role of Used Cooking Oil in Waste Management

Used cooking oil (UCO) may not seem like a major environmental concern at first glance. However, the reality is quite different. As urbanization and food consumption grow rapidly, so does the volume of cooking oil that ends up as waste. Restaurants, food processing units, commercial kitchens, and even households generate vast amounts of UCO every day. When not disposed of properly, this oil can cause extensive damage to infrastructure, the environment, and even human health.

In many cases, used oil is dumped into drains or open land, where it clogs sewage systems and pollutes waterways. The thick, greasy residue solidifies in pipes, leading to costly maintenance and blockages in municipal infrastructure. More critically, once UCO enters the environment, it creates oxygen-depleting layers over water bodies, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. It’s also a significant contributor to urban flooding, especially in densely populated areas with ageing drainage systems.

Another less visible but equally alarming issue is the illegal recycling and resale of used cooking oil. In the absence of strict monitoring, UCO often finds its way back into the food chain through informal markets, especially among street vendors and small eateries. Reusing degraded oil not only compromises food safety but can also lead to the production of toxic compounds, increasing the risk of diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cancer.

Despite these risks, the topic of UCO rarely receives the attention it deserves in the broader discussions around waste management. Most policy efforts have focused on solid and plastic waste, while liquid waste streams like cooking oil have remained largely unregulated. This oversight limits the development of infrastructure and systems needed to handle oil waste responsibly, resulting in lost opportunities for environmental protection and economic recovery through reuse.

• Improper UCO disposal blocks sewage systems and causes urban flooding
• Pollution from used oil affects soil and water quality
• Health risks arise when degraded oil re-enters the food chain
• Lack of regulation enables black-market resale of contaminated oil
• Current waste policies rarely include cooking oil in formal frameworks

Recognizing the role of UCO in the waste ecosystem is the first step toward building sustainable solutions. With the right policies, awareness, and collection mechanisms, this waste stream can be transformed from an environmental hazard into a valuable input for renewable energy and industrial applications. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework presents a promising pathway to drive this shift—but only if cooking oil is acknowledged as a priority waste category.

When we think of environmental waste streams, cooking oil rarely tops the list. Yet used cooking oil (UCO) poses serious environmental and public health risks if not managed properly. In the growing dialogue around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), this vital stream has flown under the radar. But change is brewing—and it’s time to give cooking oil waste the policy and public attention it deserves.

Understanding the Environmental Cost of Discarded Cooking Oil

Used cooking oil, when not managed correctly, becomes a serious environmental contaminant. Although it may seem harmless compared to hazardous industrial waste, discarded oil poses multiple ecological threats. Whether it’s poured down kitchen drains, dumped on soil, or discarded into local water bodies, the consequences of such actions are far-reaching and persistent.

When UCO enters water systems, it forms a thick film on the surface, preventing oxygen exchange between the water and the atmosphere. This oxygen depletion leads to the death of aquatic life, disrupts the food chain, and affects biodiversity in rivers, lakes, and coastal zones. Moreover, the accumulation of oil in the water can damage wetlands, hinder plant growth, and render water bodies unsuitable for human and animal consumption.

On land, improperly disposed oil alters the soil’s structure and composition. It reduces permeability, disrupts microbial life, and hinders plant growth. This not only affects agriculture and greenery in urban environments but also contributes to land degradation. The residual oil can persist in soil for long periods, seeping into groundwater and contaminating drinking water sources.

Another major concern is the impact of UCO on urban infrastructure. When poured into sinks and drains, oil coagulates and solidifies, especially when mixed with other waste materials like soap, food debris, and sanitary products. This leads to blockages in sewage systems, increased maintenance costs, and, in many cases, severe urban flooding during monsoons due to restricted drainage flow.

Beyond these direct impacts, the environmental footprint of cooking oil waste is amplified by the missed opportunity for circular use. UCO can be repurposed into biodiesel—a cleaner-burning alternative to fossil fuels—thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Failing to capture this resource not only adds to pollution but also undermines efforts toward sustainable energy and resource recovery.

• Used oil in water bodies disrupts oxygen exchange and aquatic ecosystems
• Soil contamination reduces fertility and harms microbial life
• Clogged drains and sewers increase the risk of urban flooding
• Oil pollution can affect drinking water quality and sanitation
• Failure to recycle UCO misses an opportunity to produce biodiesel

Recognizing these environmental costs is critical to framing UCO as more than just kitchen waste. It’s a liquid pollutant with broad ecological implications. By integrating cooking oil waste into national waste management and EPR policies, India can prevent long-term damage to its ecosystems while promoting resource recovery and urban resilience.

Used cooking oil, when dumped improperly—whether down drains or into open land—can severely damage ecosystems. It clogs drainage systems, contaminates water bodies, and contributes to soil degradation. In urban settings, this waste can even encourage illegal fuel blending or be rerouted into unregulated food channels, posing risks to public health.

The Unseen Impact on Municipal Infrastructure

One of the most overlooked consequences of used cooking oil disposal is its toll on municipal infrastructure. When oil is poured down kitchen sinks or drains, especially in large volumes from restaurants and commercial kitchens, it cools and solidifies within the plumbing system. Over time, this creates stubborn blockages that are difficult and expensive to remove.

These blockages don’t just affect individual households—they accumulate in sewer lines, leading to what urban sanitation departments often refer to as ‘fatbergs’—massive congealed masses of oil, grease, and debris that obstruct wastewater flow. The result is an increased risk of sewer overflows, especially during heavy rainfall, and greater wear and tear on municipal pumping stations and treatment plants.

The financial implications are equally significant. Cities are forced to allocate substantial resources to unclog sewers, repair broken pipelines, and maintain drainage networks that are constantly under stress. For municipalities operating on limited budgets, these recurring issues divert funds from other essential public services. Moreover, the frequency of these problems is rising with urban densification and the proliferation of small food businesses that often lack formal disposal mechanisms.

Addressing the impact of used cooking oil on infrastructure requires not only public awareness but also regulatory frameworks that enforce proper collection and disposal practices. EPR, if applied to UCO, could mandate producers and large-scale users to invest in clean disposal systems and support municipal waste resilience.

In many cities, large volumes of used oil find their way into drainage systems, causing major blockages and increasing maintenance costs. This adds stress to municipal budgets and accelerates urban decay. According to a study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), over 60% of India’s used cooking oil is not captured through formal channels.

The Public Health Dimension

Used cooking oil that’s improperly stored or resold can re-enter the food chain—often through street vendors—posing serious health hazards such as carcinogenic compound formation and increased LDL cholesterol levels. In 2018, the FSSAI introduced a cap on Total Polar Compounds (TPC) in reused oils, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

How EPR Can Offer a Scalable Solution for Cooking Oil Waste

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has already proven effective in managing complex waste streams such as plastics, electronics, and batteries. Applying this model to used cooking oil (UCO) could provide a long-term, scalable solution to a problem that currently lacks consistent oversight. EPR shifts the burden of post-consumer waste management from municipalities to the producers and bulk users of cooking oil, incentivizing responsible disposal and structured recovery systems.

Under an EPR framework for UCO, producers, distributors, and large-scale consumers such as restaurants and food processing units would be required to collect and channel their oil waste to authorized recyclers. These entities could be mandated to report disposal data, set recovery targets, and ensure traceability through digital compliance platforms. Such systems not only promote transparency but also create accountability, closing the loop in oil waste management.

India has already seen early efforts to promote UCO collection through the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) RUCO initiative. While RUCO encourages the conversion of UCO into biodiesel, its voluntary nature and limited scope mean participation remains inconsistent. Integrating RUCO under a mandatory EPR regime would strengthen its reach and enforce compliance across the value chain—from manufacturers to micro-enterprises.

One of the key advantages of EPR is its ability to build infrastructure through shared responsibility. Stakeholders can pool resources to invest in certified collection centers, logistics for safe transport, and partnerships with licensed biodiesel producers. Additionally, EPR frameworks can include public education programs to inform food businesses and households about the importance of proper oil disposal.

• Holds oil producers and bulk users accountable for waste disposal
• Promotes formal collection and recycling infrastructure
• Encourages traceability and reduces illegal reuse or dumping
• Supports the production of biodiesel and circular economy goals
• Enables data-driven policymaking through reporting and monitoring

A comprehensive EPR approach for UCO has the potential to transform a largely informal and environmentally damaging practice into a regulated, circular system. With robust enforcement and active participation from both public and private sectors, cooking oil waste can shift from being an environmental burden to a renewable asset.

Extended Producer Responsibility offers a structured approach to ensure producers, distributors, and large-scale users of cooking oil are held accountable for its end-of-life disposal. By mandating oil producers and aggregators to set up collection systems and ensure proper treatment or conversion, EPR brings traceability and structure to an otherwise fragmented domain.

Frameworks That Already Exist

India’s earliest structured attempt to address used cooking oil (UCO) management came in the form of the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative, launched by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). RUCO was designed to create a supply chain that connects UCO generators—like restaurants, food processors, and caterers—to biodiesel manufacturers through authorized aggregators. The primary goal was to ensure that oil is not reused beyond safety limits or discarded improperly.

While RUCO laid essential groundwork, it remains a voluntary system. As a result, its adoption has been uneven, especially among small and medium enterprises that lack awareness or infrastructure. The absence of regulatory obligations also limits enforcement, making it difficult to scale the program nationally. However, the RUCO network—currently spanning over 100 cities—has demonstrated that a coordinated collection system is possible when there’s institutional backing and logistical support. Integrating RUCO into a broader, mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) could formalize participation and help track cooking oil waste with greater accountability and precision.

India has taken initial steps with the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative, led by FSSAI, which promotes the conversion of UCO into biodiesel. However, RUCO is voluntary and limited in scale. Integrating this initiative into a binding EPR framework under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) would elevate its impact exponentially.

Success Stories from Other Waste Streams

Just as EPR has transformed plastic and e-waste management in India, similar regulatory mandates can shift the needle for oil waste. For instance, the formalization of plastic waste collection through EPR compliance platforms has enabled better traceability and increased recycling rates. A similar roadmap for cooking oil can prevent illegal reuse, improve environmental outcomes, and support circular bioeconomies.

• Used cooking oil is a major contributor to clogged urban drainage systems
• Lack of formal channels leads to serious food safety and health issues
• EPR can offer the accountability and infrastructure needed for change

The Economics of Reuse: Turning Oil Waste Into Fuel and Opportunity

Used cooking oil (UCO) is often viewed as waste, but in reality, it holds significant economic potential—particularly when repurposed into biodiesel. As India pushes toward a cleaner energy mix, the transformation of UCO into a renewable, non-toxic fuel source offers an opportunity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, create green jobs, and promote sustainable industrial development. Biodiesel made from UCO emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional diesel and can be used in existing diesel engines with minimal modification.

According to the Indian government’s National Policy on Biofuels, the country aims to achieve a 5% biodiesel blend in diesel by 2030. To meet this target, reliable feedstocks such as used cooking oil are critical. It’s estimated that India generates over 2,200 million liters of UCO annually, much of which remains untapped due to the absence of collection infrastructure and regulatory enforcement. Capturing even a fraction of this oil for conversion could support energy security and reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector.

Beyond fuel, formalizing the reuse of cooking oil waste can stimulate micro-economies. Collection, transport, and processing of UCO can create employment opportunities in both rural and urban settings. Startups and small businesses engaged in oil aggregation and biodiesel production are already beginning to emerge, but they require policy support, financing, and long-term market incentives to scale sustainably. An EPR-backed system could create consistent demand and ensure that UCO flows into the formal recycling market rather than being sold illegally or discarded.

Investing in oil waste reuse also aligns with global climate commitments. Replacing conventional diesel with biodiesel helps reduce particulate matter, sulfur emissions, and greenhouse gases. Additionally, by fostering innovation in biofuel technologies, India can position itself as a leader in the global bioeconomy, creating pathways for export and cross-border collaboration.

• UCO can be converted into biodiesel, reducing reliance on fossil fuels
• A national UCO collection ecosystem can create green jobs and local enterprises
• Formal reuse systems help meet climate goals and strengthen energy security
• Economic value is unlocked when waste is diverted from landfills to fuel production
• EPR frameworks can provide a consistent supply chain and compliance monitoring

Recognizing cooking oil waste as a valuable input—not just a pollutant—opens the door to a new economic and environmental paradigm. Through strategic EPR implementation and supportive policies, India can unlock the true potential of UCO as a fuel of the future.

When treated properly, cooking oil waste becomes a resource—biodiesel. With India targeting a 5% blend of biodiesel in diesel under its Bio-Energy Policy, the demand for raw materials like UCO is expected to rise. Creating EPR obligations for large oil users—hotels, cloud kitchens, manufacturers—can feed this demand sustainably while creating green jobs.

Incentivizing Responsible Disposal Through Market Linkages

A key driver in scaling the reuse of used cooking oil (UCO) is the creation of strong market linkages that reward responsible disposal. While environmental regulation provides the foundation, economic incentives make participation attractive and sustainable for stakeholders. When bulk oil users—such as restaurants, cloud kitchens, and food manufacturers—see tangible benefits in recycling UCO, they are more likely to comply consistently and avoid informal or illegal disposal routes.

Buyback schemes and aggregator-led collection models can play a transformative role here. For example, offering a fixed price per liter of UCO collected and ensuring reliable pickup services creates a predictable revenue stream for waste generators. Digital tracking platforms can also be used to issue green credits or certification to compliant businesses, enhancing their environmental credentials and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. In some international markets, governments and oil companies offer tax benefits or subsidies for biodiesel producers using certified UCO, creating a stable demand channel. By replicating and localizing such models, India can build a self-sustaining ecosystem that ties environmental responsibility to market value.

EPR-backed buyback programs and digital tracking mechanisms can encourage bulk users to dispose of oil responsibly. In Malaysia and the EU, for example, government-linked biodiesel programs have effectively tied waste collection to formal economic incentives, ensuring higher recovery rates and cleaner urban environments.

The Role of Startups and Aggregators

Startups like BioD Energy and Grease Vikas are already creating circular value chains in India by collecting UCO and converting it into biofuels. Supportive EPR frameworks could help scale these models nationwide, bringing more players into the formal economy while keeping the black market in check.

Toward a Cleaner Kitchen and a Greener Planet

Used cooking oil is no longer just a by-product of food preparation—it’s a growing environmental concern and a missed economic opportunity. As urbanization accelerates and food service industries expand, the volume of oil waste being generated continues to rise. Without structured systems to manage it, this waste quietly damages ecosystems, burdens municipal infrastructure, and compromises public health. But with the right approach, it can instead fuel a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Integrating cooking oil waste into India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework is a practical and forward-thinking solution. By making oil producers, distributors, and bulk users accountable for collection and safe disposal, EPR ensures that UCO doesn’t end up in drains, back into food cycles, or in landfills. With proper enforcement, it would also open the door for scaling up biodiesel production—a renewable energy source that can contribute to India’s green energy targets while reducing carbon emissions.

However, building such a system requires more than regulation. It calls for stakeholder collaboration across industries, clear compliance guidelines, digital tracking tools for traceability, and awareness campaigns for both commercial users and households. Policy frameworks should be complemented by incentives, such as buyback programs, tax credits, or green certifications, to encourage voluntary compliance and drive market engagement.

• EPR can formalize oil waste collection and recycling at scale
• UCO reuse supports India’s biodiesel and climate action goals
• Smart policies can convert kitchen waste into clean energy
• Cross-sector collaboration is key to long-term system success
• Consumer and business awareness will drive behavior change

Ultimately, responsible UCO disposal is about more than just waste management—it’s about rethinking how everyday materials can be revalorized in a circular economy. By recognizing cooking oil as a valuable resource and designing policies to support its reuse, India can turn a silent pollutant into a catalyst for clean energy, innovation, and environmental stewardship. The kitchen may be where the problem starts, but with the right steps, it can also be where the solution begins.

Cooking oil waste may not grab headlines, but its consequences ripple through our environment, health systems, and energy future. With the right policies in place—particularly through the lens of EPR—this under-addressed stream can become a beacon of sustainability. It’s time to bring oil waste out of the shadows and into the spotlight where action happens.