Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Waste Recycling Services in Portland
We have been a Portland leader in recycling since 1975, dedicated to energy recovery, recycling, and resource conservation. Our commitment to environmental stewardship drives our grease trap cleaning and cooking oil recycling programs, which protect water cycles from pollution. In 2009, we installed a 23.9kW solar array to power our operations with renewable energy, reflecting our dedication to minimizing our carbon footprint. We pioneered a closed-loop system by converting collected waste cooking oil into biodiesel to fuel our fleet, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels.Our efforts include founding the Oregon Biodiesel Workshop and collaborating with Bootstrap Biodiesel to advance sustainable fuel solutions. We remain family-owned and locally operated, prioritizing responsive service, integrity, and affordability. Our team combines decades of experience with innovative practices to deliver reliable, eco-conscious waste management solutions tailored to Portland's needs. We are committed to supporting community sustainability through transparent operations and a focus on environmental health.
Services
Cooking Oil Recycling
Grease Trap Cleaning
Biodiesel Production
Waste-to-Energy Solutions
Regulatory Compliance Services
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience in Portland's waste management industry
- Our solar-powered operations reduce environmental impact
- We pioneered closed-loop biodiesel production from waste oil
- Certified biodiesel producers with industry-leading sustainability practices
- Locally owned with a focus on community partnerships and compliance
Services
Cooking Oil Recycling
We collect and recycle used cooking oil from restaurants to produce clean biodiesel. Our closed-loop system converts waste into renewable fuel for our fleet, reducing fossil fuel dependence. This service maintains sewer line integrity while supporting sustainable energy production.
Grease Trap Cleaning
Our comprehensive grease trap cleaning ensures regulatory compliance and prevents sewer blockages. Using specialized equipment, we remove FOG (fats, oils, grease) while maintaining full environmental standards. Regular maintenance protects plumbing systems and avoids costly backups.
Biodiesel Production
We convert collected waste oil into ASTM-certified biodiesel through advanced processing. Partnering with local facilities, we ensure high-quality fuel production that powers our trucks and supports regional energy independence. This process diverts thousands of gallons from landfills annually.
Regulatory Compliance
Our team ensures all services meet local, state, and federal environmental regulations. We provide documentation and best practices for waste management compliance, helping businesses avoid fines while maintaining sustainable operations.
Sustainable Solutions
We offer integrated waste management solutions combining solar energy, biodiesel production, and recycling expertise. Our approach reduces carbon footprints through renewable energy adoption and circular economy practices tailored to Portland's environmental goals.
People
Tim Ensey
Operations Manager
With seven years of leadership at Cloudburst Recycling, Tim oversees daily operations ensuring consistent service quality and regulatory compliance for all clients.
Lowell Fleming
Owner
Founder of Cloudburst Recycling, Lowell has specialized in grease trap services and waste oil recycling for over a decade, driving sustainable industry innovations.
David McMahon
Co-Founder
A 46-year veteran of Portland's recycling industry, David pioneered early waste management solutions and established Cloudburst Recycling's environmental mission.
Michela McMahon
Co-Founder
As co-founder, Michela helped shape Cloudburst Recycling's community-focused approach, advocating for sustainable practices across four decades of service.
Questions
What services does Northwest Biofuel offer?
We provide cooking oil recycling, grease trap cleaning, and waste-to-energy solutions for Portland businesses.
How does your oil recycling process work?
We collect used oil, convert it into biodiesel, and use it to power our fleet while maintaining full compliance.
Are you licensed for hazardous waste handling?
Yes, we maintain all required certifications for safe and legal collection and processing of waste oils.
Do you service residential properties?
Our focus is commercial clients like restaurants, though we can discuss special arrangements for larger residential needs.
