Liquid Gold and the Grease Bandits

Listen in as Paul and Matt unravel the surprisingly shadowy world of grease theft, a crime spree sweeping through the United States, particularly the Southeast, with consequences that reach far beyond restaurants losing money. Our episode kicks off with a startling account of used cooking oil theft, dubbed "liquid gold" by the crooks who covet it. We're not just talking about a few slick operations; these thefts lead to environmental risks, create public hazards like car and motorcycle crashes when vehicles slide on spilled oil….and leave restaurants grappling with significant financial hits. The grease underworld isn't just a few rogue individuals; organized rings are in on the action too, tapping into a lucrative black market where this stolen oil powers everything from biofuels to animal feeds.

We're not just here to expose the problem—we're also pouring over solutions. There's a pressing need for accountability through the supply chain and a call for companies to stop turning a blind eye to the dubious origins of their stock. We highlight the role of environmental regulations, the importance of transparency, and how solid partnerships can transform the industry for the better. 

Whether you're a food enthusiast curious about the products you consume or a sustainability advocate interested in learning about the circular economy, this podcast will have something for you. So tune in, learn, and let's start some robust discussions about fat!

In this episode:

• The surprising and far-reaching impacts of oil theft
• Theft's impact on renewable fuels
• Indoor tank security
• Police reports and combatting restaurant victimization
• Organized crime rings and product theft
• Transparency in sustainable fuel production
• Pollution of The Great Lakes
• If one person decides to do or say something, this podcast is a success
• Catching thieves pick-axing frozen fat from a dumpster
• Damaging personal property and theft actions
• Do you have ideas for preventing theft? Write to us!
• Join us next episode for a discussion on logistics and transportation

The Fat Guys Podcast is powered by Evergreen Grease. Founded in Adrian, Michigan, in the mid-1990s, the company processes used cooking oil, along with other Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) that can be used for renewable fuel production like biodiesel, a renewable, clean-burning diesel fuel alternative. By partnering with Evergreen, you are making a commitment to your daily operations and the environment. With long-tenured employees who live and work locally, we pride ourselves on anticipating our customers’ needs while upholding our founder's values.

Resources:

Evergreen Grease 

The Fat Guys Pod