Food service businesses in Atlanta are required to capture fats, oils and grease (FOG) before they enter the sewer system—but collecting it is only the first step. Properly transporting and disposing of FOG, used cooking oil and other wastewater byproducts requires strict compliance with local and state regulations.

That’s where companies like Southern Green Industries come in, providing safe, permitted and environmentally responsible hauling and disposal services.

Step 1: Collection – Vacuum Trucks and Expert Technicians

At the heart of transporting wastewater, FOG and used cooking oil is the vacuum truck—a powerful, specially designed vehicle equipped with a large tank and industrial-grade suction systems. These trucks are engineered to safely extract and transport non-hazardous liquid waste from grease traps, interceptors and oil tanks to sump pits.

Southern Green’s fleet of vacuum trucks is designed to handle high volumes efficiently, ensuring that even large commercial kitchens, food service businesses and industrial facility grease traps are serviced quickly and thoroughly.

Technicians begin by connecting industrial hoses to the grease trap or oil containment system. Using vacuum pressure, the liquid and semi-solid waste is removed and pumped directly into the truck’s tank. This method is fast, minimizes mess and is highly effective for extracting thick, greasy sludge or used oil, without disrupting your operations.

Step 2: On-Site Safety and Containment

Safety is a top priority when transporting FOG and oil. These substances can be slippery, flammable or environmentally harmful if spilled or mishandled. That’s why trained professionals follow strict containment protocols on-site.

Before and after pumping, Southern Green’s technicians inspect all connections and equipment to ensure there are no leaks or spills. Spill kits are always on hand, and standard operating procedures are followed to protect both your property and the environment.

For cooking oil specifically, businesses that partner with Southern Green can provide custom-sized oil bins that are designed for easy, safe and spill-free oil removal. Some businesses also use our integrated Oil Management System (iOMS) to further simplify disposal. The iOMS allows used oil to be funneled automatically from fryers to secure containers, eliminating the risk of hot oil spills and manual handling mistakes or injuries. We then regularly remove the used oil for efficient recycling into biodiesel.

Step 3: Transport to Processing Facilities

Once the vacuum truck is full, the tank is sealed and the material is transported to an appropriate our processing facility. Southern Green Industries handles different types of liquid waste according to their classification and regulatory requirements. Throughout the process, all transportation and handling is documented and tracked to ensure full regulatory compliance and traceability for customers.

Step 4: Sustainable Disposal and Environmental Compliance

Companies like Southern Green don’t just haul waste, they provide an end-to-end solution that prioritizes sustainability. Used cooking oil, for instance, is 100% recyclable when processed correctly. FOG and wastewater, when separated and treated properly, can be kept out of landfills and away from sensitive ecosystems.

Southern Green is committed to environmental responsibility, seeing that all materials are disposed of or recycled in accordance with the highest environmental standards. This not only helps businesses stay compliant, but also supports broader efforts to reduce landfill waste, protect Atlanta’s waterways and create renewable energy alternatives.

Why Proper Waste Transport Matters

Mismanaging wastewater, FOG or fryer oil can result in serious consequences. Clogged pipes, sewer overflows, pest issues and compliance violations can cost thousands of dollars and damage a business’s reputation. Working with a professional company like Southern Green ensures:

• Reliable pickup schedules
• On-site safety and spill prevention
• Proper documentation and disposal certification
• Environmentally conscious recycling of cooking oil
• Compliance with all local and federal waste management laws

Get in Touch With Our Expert Grease Trap Cleaning and Cooking Oil Recycling Company in the Metro-Atlanta Area

Whether you’re a restaurant, hotel, food processor or industrial facility, managing wastewater, FOG and used cooking oil is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting your operation and the environment.

Southern Green Industries provides comprehensive, reliable solutions for liquid waste collection, transportation and recycling. With vacuum trucks, trained professionals and a commitment to sustainability, we make sure your waste is handled the right way every time.

Call Southern Green today at (404) 419-6887 to schedule service or learn more about our Integrated Oil Management System and grease trap solutions.