Restaurant Technologies (RTI)
vs Eazy Grease
An Honest Comparison: National Scale Automation vs. Flexible East Coast Excellence
Both Eazy Grease and Restaurant Technologies serve the same fundamental mission: helping restaurants manage used cooking oil collection safely, efficiently, and sustainably. But the approaches differ significantly in flexibility, pricing, equipment, contract terms, and service philosophy.
Restaurant Technologies (RTI) pioneered automated cooking oil management in 1999 and operates 41 depots nationwide, serving 45,000+ customers with their Total Oil Management system. RTI offers comprehensive recycling process automation through proprietary equipment leasing, multi-year contracts, and bundled fresh oil delivery—a turnkey solution for operators seeking maximum automation and minimal involvement.
Eazy Grease is one of the largest independently owned used cooking oil recycling company in the United States, with deep regional infrastructure across ten East Coast states (FL, GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, NY, NJ, PA, CT). Serving over 7,000+ restaurant accounts, Eazy Grease offers flexible service with month-to-month agreements, competitive rebates for all customers, equipment ownership options, and customizable automation that adapts to each operation’s unique needs.
This guide examines the real operational and strategic differences between these two approaches to help you make the right choice for your restaurant.
The Core Philosophical Difference of Cooking Oil Management
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand the fundamental difference in business philosophy:
Eazy Grease: Customizable Flexibility
Philosophy: Adapt the solution to fit your operation
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Choose your level of automation (from manual to fully automated)
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Own your equipment or use our containers
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Keep your oil supplier relationships and control of your supply chain
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Flexible Agreement (30-day cancellation)
NO CONTRACTS -
Customers receive rebates based on the volume of oil recycled
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Regional focus allows responsive, personalized service
Best for: Operators who want environmental responsibility and control over their kitchen operations, value flexibility, and prefer customized solutions over standardized systems.
RTI: Standardized Automated Cooking Oil Management
Philosophy: Comprehensive automation for hands-off management
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Complete Total Oil Management system (mandatory)
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Lease equipment (RTI retains ownership)
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Bundled fresh oil delivery through RTI only
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Multi-year contracts (long-term commitment required)
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Service pricing varies by volume/customer tier
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National presence with centralized operations
Best for: Large multi-unit operators seeking maximum automation, willing to commit long-term, and prioritizing turnkey solutions over customization.
Pricing Models: The Economic Reality
The Eazy Grease Economic Model
YOU GET PAID
How it works:
$0 monthly service fees
Competitive rebates: $100-300+/month based on volume
Customers receive monthly rebates—whether you generate 100 gallons or 1000 gallons per month
Equipment owned by you (or use our free containers)
Optional automation priced separately and owned by you
Annual Impact: POSITIVE $1,200-3,600+ revenue
Why This Matters: The fundamental difference is whether your used cooking oil is a revenue source or an expense line item. Eazy Grease turns UCO into a profit center for every customer, regardless of size. With RTI’s model, economic benefits may vary significantly based on contract terms, volume commitments, and customer tier—with large national accounts potentially receiving different terms than independent operators.
Hidden Costs & Economic Considerations
Eazy Grease: Transparent Economics
No hidden fees – Rebate rate is your rate
Own your equipment – No lease fees, no removal costs
Buy oil anywhere – Negotiate your own best prices
Easy exit – Keep your equipment, 30 days’ notice
Volume flexibility – Rebates scale with your usage
RTI: Bundled Pricing Complexity
Equipment lease costs – Embedded in monthly fees
Fresh oil markup – Must buy through RTI
Long-term commitment – Multi-year contract lock-in
Early termination costs – Potential fees to exit
Equipment removal – RTI owns hot oil tanks/systems
Contract Terms & Operational Freedom
Exit Flexibility
Why Eazy Grease Can Offer 30-Day Terms: We’re confident in our service quality and fair pricing. With 94% customer retention, we don’t need long-term contracts to keep customers—they stay because the service works and the economics make sense. Month-to-month terms also mean we work harder every day to earn your business.
Automation Options: Customizable vs. Standardized
Both companies offer automation solutions, but with very different approaches to how that automation integrates with your operation.
Eazy Grease: Flexible Automation
Philosophy: Choose the level of automation that fits your needs
Options Available:
Manual Collection – Standard containers, scheduled pickups, competitive rebates
Frontline Bulk Systems – Automated dispensing for fresh cooking oil delivery
Full Automation – Bulk storage tanks with automated monitoring and delivery
Custom Hybrid Solutions – Mix and match to fit your operation
Key Advantages:
You own the equipment – Asset on your balance sheet
Oil supply independence – Use any supplier or our partners
Scalable – Start simple, add automation later
Customizable – Adapt to your kitchen layout and volume
No forced bundles – Pay only for what you need
Result: Same automation benefits without operational lock-in
RTI: Total Oil Management System
Philosophy: Comprehensive standardized solution
System Components:
Proprietary bulk tanks – Fresh and used cooking oil storage
Automated delivery system – Direct-to-fryer oil delivery
Filtration monitoring – Extend oil life through filtration
Remote sensors – Automated scheduling based on levels
Software portal – Monitoring and reporting
System Requirements:
All-or-nothing – Full system installation required
Equipment lease – RTI retains ownership
Forced fresh oil bundling – Must buy through RTI
Standardized installation – Limited customization
Long-term commitment – Multi-year contract
Result: Maximum automation with operational dependencies
The Automation Decision Framework:
If you need full automation, both companies can deliver it. The question is: Do you want to own your automation system and maintain supply chain independence, or lease a proprietary system with bundled oil purchasing? Eazy Grease offers the former; RTI requires the latter.
Service Coverage & Infrastructure
Geographic Footprint
Eazy Grease: Regional Excellence
Coverage: 9 East Coast states
✅ Florida ✅ Georgia ✅ Alabama ✅ Tennessee ✅ South Carolina ✅ North Carolina ✅ New York ✅ New Jersey ✅ Pennsylvania
Service Model: Deep regional infrastructure with company-owned trucks, oil containers, local decision-making, and direct customer relationships. 7,000+ restaurant accounts.
RTI: National Presence
Coverage: 41 depots nationwide
Service Model: Centralized national operations with standardized processes across all locations. 45,000+ customers.
Broad geographic reach allows multi-state chain servicing from single provider.
Regional Focus vs. National Scale: Eazy Grease’s concentrated East Coast presence allows for responsive, personalized service with direct relationships. If you operate in our nine-state footprint, you benefit from local expertise and faster response times. RTI’s national network serves operators across the country but with centralized coordination that can create longer resolution times for service issues.
Service Delivery: Challenges of Scale
As commercial kitchens grow, maintaining service quality becomes increasingly complex. Industry feedback suggests that rapid expansion can sometimes strain operational capacity:
Common Large-Scale Operation Challenges:
Infrastructure strain – Rapid growth can outpace fleet capacity and staffing
Centralized coordination – Multiple departments required for scheduling and problem resolution
Fleet availability – Equipment shortages during peak demand periods
Maintenance delays – Larger customer bases can extend service response times
Bureaucratic processes – Standardized procedures may lack flexibility for unique situations
These are common challenges facing large national service organizations across many industries, not unique to any single company. Commercial kitchens should ask specific questions about service response times, fleet availability in their market, and problem resolution processes when evaluating any provider.
Eazy Grease’s Service Advantage: Our regional focus means local depots, local trucks, and local decision-making. If you have a service issue, you’re calling a regional manager who knows your market, not a national call center routing you through multiple departments. This translates to faster response times and more personalized problem-solving.
Supply Chain Independence
A critical but often overlooked difference: who controls your fresh oil purchasing.
Eazy Grease: Supply Chain Freedom
Buy oil from anyone – Your existing supplier relationships
Negotiate your best prices – Shop multiple vendors
Partner recommendations available – We can connect you with suppliers
No forced bundling – UCO collection is independent from oil purchasing
Flexibility during shortages – Source from multiple suppliers as needed
Result: You maintain procurement control and negotiating leverage
RTI: Bundled Oil Purchasing
Fresh oil through RTI only – Required as part of Oil Management model
Bundled pricing – Cooking Oil delivery included in monthly fee
Single-source dependency – Cannot shop alternative suppliers
Limited price negotiation – Pricing set by RTI
System integration – Automated delivery requires RTI oil
Result: Convenience of single-source, loss of procurement independence
Why Supply Chain Independence Matters:
Price Volatility: Oil prices fluctuate. The ability to shop multiple suppliers protects you during market volatility
Supply Security: Multiple sourcing options provide backup during shortages or disruptions
Relationship Leverage: Existing supplier relationships often include volume discounts, payment terms, and other concessions
Negotiating Power: Competition between suppliers drives better pricing and service
Who Should Choose Which Provider?
Choose Eazy Grease If You:
Operate in their 10-state East Coast footprint (FL, GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, NY, NJ, PA, CT)
Want to own your equipment and build assets rather than lease
Value flexibility and month-to-month agreements over long-term contracts
Prefer to receive rebates rather than pay monthly fees
Want to maintain supply chain independence and buy oil from your preferred suppliers
Need customizable automation that adapts to your operation rather than standardized systems
Are an independent restaurant or small/mid-sized chain (1-50 locations)
Value responsive local service over centralized national coordination
Want easy exit options without equipment removal complications
Generate 20-200+ gallons per week of used cooking oil
Choose RTI If You:
Operate outside the East Coast in markets where Eazy Grease doesn’t serve
Run a large multi-state chain (100+ locations) needing single-source national coverage
Want maximum automation with minimal kitchen involvement
Prefer turnkey solutions over customization options
Are comfortable with long-term contracts and equipment leasing
Don’t mind bundled fresh oil purchasing through a single supplier
Generate very high volumes (200+ gallons per week) where RTI’s economies of scale may apply
Prioritize standardized processes across all locations over flexibility
Have safety as the absolute top priority and are willing to pay premiums for comprehensive automation
Can negotiate favorable large-account terms if you’re a national chain
⚠️ Red Flags for RTI’s Model:
You’re an independent restaurant or small chain (1-25 locations)
You value the ability to change suppliers quickly if service degrades
You want to maintain relationships with your existing food distributors
Your restaurant may be sold or relocated within 2-3 years
Cash flow is tight and monthly fees would create financial strain
You prefer transparent, simple pricing over bundled complexity
FAQ
Can I switch from RTI to Eazy Grease?
Yes, but you’ll need to review your existing contract terms with RTI. Multi-year contracts may include early termination provisions. Once your contract obligations are fulfilled, we can typically transition your service within 2-4 weeks. You’ll need to work with RTI to remove their equipment, and we can then install your own equipment or provide containers. Many operators find the economics of ownership and rebates make the transition worthwhile long-term.
What if I need automation but want to avoid long-term contracts?
This is exactly what Eazy Grease specializes in. We offer customizable automation solutions—from fresh oil dispensing systems to full automated storage and monitoring—without long-term contracts. You own the equipment, maintain supply chain independence, and operate on month-to-month terms. You get the automation benefits without the operational lock-in.
How does Eazy Grease's rebate system work?
Rebates are based on the volume of used cooking oil you generate and current commodity prices for UCO. Typical restaurants generating 50-100 gallons per week receive $100-400+ per month. Unlike other models where only large accounts receive rebates, every Eazy Grease customer gets paid for their used oil usage—whether you generate 20 gallons or 200 gallons per week. Rebates are paid monthly and scale with your volume.
What happens to my equipment if I cancel service?
Yes. Both companies offer automated UCO systems with bulk storage, monitoring, and direct-to-fryer convenience. The key difference: with Eazy Grease, you own the equipment. With Darling, their equipment remains their property. Same safety and automation benefits, but different ownership and exit flexibility.
Does Eazy Grease offer the same safety benefits as RTI?
Yes. Both companies eliminate the manual handling of hot cooking oil disposal, which is the primary safety benefit. Whether you use manual containers with regular pickups or automated bulk systems, Eazy Grease provides the same safety improvements—reducing burns, slips, and back injuries. The difference is that you’re not required to adopt a specific automation system or commit to long-term contracts to achieve these safety benefits.
Can I use Eazy Grease if I'm a multi-state chain?
If your locations are within our ten-state East Coast footprint, absolutely. We serve chains from 5 to 100+ locations in FL, GA, AL, TN, SC, NC, NY, NJ, CT, and PA. If you have locations outside these states, RTI’s national coverage may be more suitable, or you might use Eazy Grease for your East Coast locations and RTI (or other providers) elsewhere.
Why doesn't Eazy Grease require long-term contracts?
Two reasons: First, our 94% customer retention rate proves we don’t need contracts to keep customers—they stay because the service and economics work. Second, we believe operators should have the freedom to make changes if their needs change or if service quality declines. Month-to-month terms keep us accountable and motivated to earn your business every single day.
What's included in RTI's monthly service fee?
Restaurant Technologies does not publicly disclose pricing. Historical industry references from the mid-2000s suggested monthly service fees in the $700-800 range for standard installations, but these are historical references only and may not reflect current market rates.
What is RTI Oil?
Since 1999, RTI been leading the way in automated waste oil management and currently running 41 depots across the country, catering to over 45,000 back of house customers with their oil removal system. RTI provides a complete automation experience with fresh oil delivery.
How much does the restaurant technologies oil system cost?
Current pricing is not publicly disclosed and varies by location, volume, contract length, and equipment configuration. Operators should request detailed quotes that break down exactly what’s included and what additional costs might apply.
Is vegetable oil hazardous waste?
Vegetable oil is not typically classified as hazardous waste, but improper oil disposal process can lead to environmental issues like clogs and pollution. Therefore, avoid pouring it down the drain. Instead, use a recycling services company like Eazy Grease or Restaurant Technologies Inc. Their are even environmental benefits to the circular economy because kitchen oil collected from waste tank is converted into renewable fuels like biodiesel.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
Get a customized quote and see exactly how much your restaurant could earn with Eazy Grease’s flexible UCO collection service.
Serving Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina,
North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania