Feedstock market prices set the tone for the used cooking oil price. So we track them here in one place. These are continuous-contract charts, so each one follows the most actively traded month (the highest-liquidity contract), not the front or upcoming month. Prices update on a short delay. Ready to sell? See how Reiter’s trading desk works.
Used Cooking Oil Price: How Much Is UCO Worth?
The used cooking oil price is driven by the wider feedstock and renewable-fuel market, so it moves with soybean oil, diesel, and biofuel demand. As a rule of thumb, restaurants are typically paid about $0.25 to $0.75 per gallon for used fryer oil, and yellow grease has recently traded around 21 to 41 cents per pound in USDA reporting. Cleaner, higher-volume, well-located supply earns the top of the range.
The only number that really matters is what a buyer will pay you today. Reiter Trading buys used cooking oil and yellow grease nationwide and quotes against live market conditions. Get a current quote for your used cooking oil.
Feedstock markets by % change: compare relative moves
Soybean Oil
Soybean oil is the benchmark vegetable oil and the largest competing feedstock for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Because refiners can switch between soybean oil and used cooking oil, its price sets a reference point for what UCO is worth. When soybean oil rises, UCO values typically follow.
WTI Crude Oil
WTI crude is the headline U.S. energy price and the baseline that petroleum diesel is priced against. Renewable fuels made from feedstocks like UCO compete with petroleum diesel, so crude’s direction shapes the broader demand and economics for used cooking oil.
Heating Oil
Heating oil (ultra-low-sulfur distillate) is the closest traded proxy for diesel. Since renewable diesel competes directly with conventional diesel, distillate prices influence how much refiners will pay for UCO and other feedstocks.
Gold
Gold is a broad macro and inflation gauge rather than a direct feedstock driver. We track it as a read on risk sentiment and the inflation backdrop that eventually filters into commodity and energy prices, including feedstocks.
US Dollar Index
The U.S. Dollar Index measures the dollar’s strength against major currencies. Because feedstocks and energy trade in dollars globally, a stronger dollar tends to pressure commodity prices while a weaker dollar supports them, a key backdrop for UCO values.
What Feedstock Market Prices Mean for Used Cooking Oil
Used cooking oil is a renewable-fuel feedstock. Because of that, its value moves with the wider feedstock and renewable-fuel market. Reiter also draws on real-time market insights to price each load. In short, the benchmarks below show where UCO value is heading.
- Soybean Oil: a leading vegetable-oil benchmark.
- WTI Crude Oil: the headline energy price.
- Heating Oil: a distillate fuel benchmark.
- Gold: a broad macro and inflation gauge.
- US Dollar Index: dollar strength that moves global commodities.
Want more detail? First, read what drives the yellow grease market. You can also see how RINs and LCFS credits add value.
Markets FAQ: Common Questions
What is the price of used cooking oil per gallon?
Restaurants are typically paid about $0.25 to $0.75 per gallon for used cooking oil, and cleaner, higher-volume supply in strong markets can earn more. The exact price depends on quality, volume, location, and current feedstock demand. Reiter Trading quotes a live price when you reach out.
How much is yellow grease worth per pound?
Yellow grease has recently traded around 21 to 41 cents per pound in USDA reporting. As a renewable-fuel feedstock, its value moves with soybean oil and diesel markets, which you can track on the charts above.
What determines the price of used cooking oil?
UCO price is driven by the feedstock and renewable-fuel market (soybean oil, diesel, and biofuel demand), plus the oil’s purity, your volume, and your location. Cleaner, larger, well-located supply earns the best price.
Why do feedstock market prices affect used cooking oil?
Used cooking oil is a renewable-fuel feedstock. So its value tracks the broader market shown in these charts.
What is a continuous contract?
A continuous contract stitches futures data into one ongoing series. It follows the most actively traded month – the one with the highest liquidity – not the front or upcoming contract. That keeps the chart smooth as contracts expire.
Are these feedstock market prices live?
Yes, on a short delay. Use the tabs to switch markets, and use the range buttons to change the timeframe.
How do I get the best price for my used cooking oil?
Reiter’s trading desk quotes against the live market. We also handle pickup, logistics, and prompt payment. See the Sell page to learn how to sell UCO to Reiter.
Ready to sell? See how Reiter’s trading desk works.
Questions about the market, or ready to trade?
Talk to our desk about current pricing and where it’s heading.