Yellow grease thefts on the rise in line with higher biodiesel prices

Across the US, yellow grease thefts are expected to increase come spring as demand for biodiesel continues to increase, pushing up prices to about 25 cents per pound, triple the price back in 2000 before the Renewable Fuel Standard mandated blending biodiesel. Biodiesel prices are up 12% since late February, prompting further demand for used cooking oil and waste fats, and in turn boosting thefts. In the three northeast states where Buffalo Biodiesel collects UCO, thefts have increased so much that the company hired a private investigator to bust thieves and even put out a reward.