Launched in 2007, the SF Greasecycle program aims to minimize the amount of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) discharged to the sewer system by providing a free pickup service for FSEs and free drop-off services for residents. The program was developed to address both source control, through collection services and public outreach, and end use, through the production of biodiesel from waste grease. Collected oils are filtered at a transfer station, then transferred to a storage tank, decanted, and brought to a biodiesel plant. The clean-burning biofuel is used to power the City fleet.

The residential recycling program component has focused on resident outreach and education of how to properly collect and dispose of used oil. Participating retail vendors throughout San Francisco, such as Whole Foods Market and Costco, provide convenient drop-off locations. Social media, radio advertising and various other outreach methods are utilized to promote involvement. A two-month holiday season collection period is heavily marketed, and yielded approximately 25 gallons per day in 2011.

To date, SF Greasecycle has collected 931,848 gallons of waste grease from 1,202 participating food service establishments (FSEs) and 8 residential drop-off locations. Forty percent of all San Francisco FSEs participate in the program. The amount of grease collected from these FSEs has grown from 6,000 gallons in 2007 to 380,000 gallons in 2011. In addition, over 8,000 gallons of used cooking oil is collected from residents annually.

Approximately two years after the program’s launch, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) was awarded over $1 million dollars in grants to expand on the innovative project.

The City was allocating $3.5 million dollars each year to unclog sewage pipes prior to the introduction of this program. An estimated 44% of all sewer work orders addressing blockages were grease related.

Since 2007, the program has generated $1.3 million in revenue for the City and has significantly reduced annual service costs.