The rise of the used cooking oil market and the value of monitoring to combat theft

Photo: Otodata

In a world increasingly focused on sustainability and circular economies, the used cooking oil (UCO) market is quietly transforming waste into opportunity.

Once just considered a disposable byproduct of food preparation, UCO is now a valuable resource fueling innovation across industries—from renewable energy to animal nutrition and even cosmetics.

The global UCO market is projected to grow significantly—from $7.4 billion in 2024 to $12.2 billion by 2034, according to Global Market Insights—driven by rising demand for biodiesel, government recycling initiatives and a growing awareness of environmental impact.

Asia currently leads the world with the largest market share—nearly 40 percent.

For many markets and companies across the globe, the time is right to explore and maximize opportunity.

Otodata is among them.

Pilot programs test real-world impact: A UCO collector’s success with Otodata

One UCO collector operating across North America recently tested Otodata’s radar monitors to streamline its collection routes and reduce operational costs.

With near real-time tank level visibility, a collector can:

• Improve pickup scheduling based on actual fill levels.

• Reduce emergency-service calls due to overflows.

The monitors’ GPS positioning and cellular connectivity allowed the collector to track tank levels and locations, ensuring UCO was accounted for and collected efficiently.

Through Otodata’s online portal and mobile app, operators gain secure, 24/7 access to tank data and alerts—making it easy to manage assets remotely and respond quickly to changing conditions.

Fighting theft with smart monitoring

As the value of UCO rises, so does the risk of theft.

Otodata’s monitors offer a powerful theft detection system:

• Near real-time level monitoring alerts operators to unexpected drops in tank volume.

• Configurable alarms flag pumping events.

• GPS tracking helps pinpoint tank locations and can identify suspicious activity.

“Used cooking oil theft isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a serious threat to margins and operational integrity,” said Eric Wise, the vice president of Otodata Industrial Solutions. “At Otodata, we’ve built our monitoring solutions to give UCO collectors near real-time visibility and control over their assets. Our tank monitors don’t just track levels—they tell you when something’s wrong, when something’s missing, and when it’s time to act.”

In an industry where every gallon counts, Otodata monitors—backed by a powerful portal and mobile app—turn vulnerability into vigilance.

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