In September, a restaurant in Upper Darby Township had 100 gallons of used cooking oil stolen. In a matter of minutes, the thieves broke into a container storing the used cooking oil, siphoned it into a truck, and fled.
 
Used cooking oil is valuable as it can be recycled into animal feed, food-safe lubricants, and even renewable biofuel. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in thefts of used cooking oil, with these crimes costing American businesses $300 million annually. These thefts threaten the viability of used cooking oil transporters and recyclers, and the restaurants they serve. In addition to creating the aforementioned eco-friendly products, these businesses protect our sewer systems from being clogged by grease.
 
At the same time, companies that transport and recycle used cooking oil are often forced to register with different municipalities and meet different municipal standards. This lack of uniformity leads to excessive paperwork and confusion when taking inventory, hampering business operations and making theft harder to track. That is why I am introducing legislation that will require these companies to register with the Department of Environmental Protection.
 
My bill will ensure that only reputable businesses are engaged in the transportation and recycling of used cooking oil. Further, it will help to protect the Commonwealth’s sewer systems and Pennsylvania businesses. I respectfully ask that you co-sponsor this legislation.