Help Prevent
Inedible Kitchen Grease Theft
The theft of used cooking oil, also known as Inedible Kitchen Grease (IKG), is an ongoing and significant issue in California.
Similar to copper and the metal in catalytic converters, IKG has considerable commodity value, with the average truckload valued over $1,000 at a grease recycling center.
Legitimate businesses and restaurants are suffering millions of dollars in losses due to these thefts and the damage caused to the storage containers.
Thieves often break into these containers at the rear of restaurants, typically at night and pump out the contents.
This illegal activity can also lead to spillage, creating hazardous conditions and environmental concerns.
What to look for:
-
Unmarked Trucks: These trucks, similar to the ones depicted in the images to the right, often lack proper markings.
By California law, trucks must display the company name and a current IKG transporter decal issued by the State of California
-
Suspicious Activity: Trucks cruising or lingering behind restaurants late at night.
-
Mismatched Labels: The containers behind restaurants are required to be labeled with the name of the servicing company, and this should match the container ID and the name on the truck.
Restaurants should also ensure that their provider is licensed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to perform this service.
Please report any instances of Inedible Kitchen Grease theft. The information you provide is confidential and crucial in combating this crime.
If you wish to report IKG theft, you may do so by clicking the “Report Theft” link at the top of this page or by clicking this link: Report Grease Theft.
You can also contact us via email at Rendering@cdfa.ca.gov