How to Dispose of Cooking Oil at Home

August 17, 2021

If you’ve used cooking oil at home, you probably made something delicious. Whether it’s a big breakfast with bacon and sausage or a generous helping of fried chicken, you’re eating good.

Then at the end of the meal comes the part that no one likes: kitchen grease disposal. You might be inclined to simply pour the grease down the drain—but honestly, you should know better! Here are the dos and don’ts of disposing of used cooking oil at home.

What not to do

As mentioned, don’t pour the grease down the drain. While most liquids can go down the drain with no problem, grease isn’t one of them. When you pour grease into the kitchen sink, you can easily clog or damage your pipes.

The grease will cool while in the pipes, congealing and collecting other oil particles. Pour enough grease down the drain and it will prevent water from flowing through. This could lead to dreaded plumbing backups.

You should also refrain from pouring the oil outside. When you pour the oil on the ground, it’ll eventually end up in the sewer system, leading to clogs there. Many types of oil also pose issues for wildlife if disposed of outside.

How to do kitchen grease disposal right

Luckily, disposing of used cooking oil isn’t difficult. Follow these simple steps:

  • Allow the grease to cool off and solidify.
  • Scrape the grease into a disposable container.
  • Put the container inside a plastic bag to avoid leakage.
  • Throw the bag in the garbage.

Recycling cooking oil

For those who want to get the most out of their cooking oil, it’s also possible to recycle it. As long as the oil has been used properly and hasn’t been heated beyond its smoke point, you can reuse it. Here’s how it’s done:

  • Use a paper towel or coffee filter to strain the oil while it’s still a little bit warm. This removes any food particles.
  • Put the oil into a sealed container, then put it in the fridge or freezer.
  • Before you use the oil again, give it a smell test to make sure it’s usable.

Use local collection for recycling

Cooking oil can be recycled with the help of a partner such as a municipality or grease collection company. These recycling facilities will keep oil out of landfills and use it for alternative forms of energy. Biodiesel conversion can generate power for electricity, cars and more.

To do so, strain the oil as noted above, then store it in an airtight container. Deliver the used oil to the recycling site, and you’re all done. You don’t need to refrigerate the container or separate out different kinds of oils and fats.

For anyone looking for help with kitchen grease disposal, Safeway Used Oil and Grease is here to assist. We offer cooking oil collection and recycling services for a wide range of clients, including schools, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and more. We’re a trusted community partner helping you to safely recycle your cooking oil. Contact us today to learn more about how you can reuse your oil!

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Safeway Used Oil and Grease