FAQs About Used Oil and Grease

February 17, 2022

Fats, oils and grease (FOGs) are used worldwide in both commercial and home kitchens. While they’re essential for cooking many recipes, disposing of FOGs can be a hassle. Plus, as we’ll see below, improper disposal can negatively impact our environment. Continue reading to learn the answers to some frequently asked questions about FOGs, including, “What can I do with leftover oil?”

Why are FOGs harmful to the environment?

First things first, it’s important to understand why we must be careful with FOGs after we’re done using them. FOGs can harm the environment in the following ways:

  • Sanitary sewer overflow: Although they start as liquids, FOGs solidify as they accumulate in underground sewer pipes. Eventually, they form massive blockages and can even lead to burst pipes or sewer overflows. When sewer systems malfunction, raw waste enters the environment and contaminates our rivers, lakes and oceans.
  • Septic system failure: Just like with municipal sewer systems, any FOGs that accumulate in septic systems can cause blockages. Again, these solids can lead to backups that contaminate the groundwater and any land surrounding the septic tank.

What can be done to prevent FOG pollution?

The good news is that avoiding the problems mentioned above is relatively easy. Follow these steps to ensure you don’t contribute to the FOG pollution problem:

  • Never pour FOGs down the drain: First and foremost, never dump used oils or grease directly down the drain or into the garbage disposal. Regardless of whether you’re connected to the sewer system or a septic tank, doing so will wreak havoc on the environment.
  • Clean grease traps regularly: If you have a grease trap, be sure to clean it out at least once a week to ensure it functions as it should. You’ll also need to call a grease trap cleaning company every three months or so to dispose of the grease in the interceptor tank.

What can I do with leftover oil?

If you’re wondering, “What can I do with leftover grease?” you’re in luck, because we have the answers. Any of these methods are appropriate for disposing of used FOGs:

  • Call Safeway Used Oil and Grease: The easiest solution for handling those FOGs is calling our team at Safeway Used Oil and Grease. We’ll come by and pick up any of your used oil and dispose of it properly. We even clean out grease traps to keep your kitchen in compliance with all local sanitary codes.
  • Reuse your oil: Most oils that we pick up are converted into biodiesels to generate power for cars, but you can recycle oil on your own by draining out any leftover solids from the used pan and storing the oil in a jar. Used cooking oil, meanwhile, can be great for deep frying all different types of foods!

Do you have any leftover FOGs?

Whether you’re a home cook or operate a commercial kitchen, be sure to hire the team at Safeway Used Oil and Grease to dispose of your leftover FOGs. Contact us today to schedule used oil pickup or to learn more about what you can do with leftover grease.

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Safeway Used Oil and Grease