How to Heat With Waste Oil

Locate a source of waste oil. To consistently heat your greenhouse or other structure, you'll need a constant source of oil, not just whatever spare oil you happen to have. Try setting up a collection route that includes oil change service centers, machine shops and other sites. You can also set up an arrangement with fast food restaurants and institutional kitchens to take used cooking oil off their hands.

Purchase drums or tanks in which to collect the oil. Obtain the size and quantity of drums or tanks that you will need to safely handle the material you will be collecting and using.

Filter the oil to remove impurities such as metal filings, sludge, food scraps and water. A 40 or 50 mesh strainer will typically be sufficient to remove most of the solid impurities.

Purchase a furnace or boiler designed to burn waste oil. You can purchase a furnace or boiler locally or online at sites like cleanburn.com, wasteoilburners.us, and kingbuilt.com, among others. Install furnace or boiler according to directions and to comply with any required building codes. Connect to your supply of waste oil and begin heating.