Whether it is a large holiday dinner or a Sunday brunch, after the meal, you’re left with a large container of cooking oil and grease, and you need to decide what to do with it.
Whether you recycle or dispose of cooking oil, we will walk you through each step, so you do it safely and environmentally friendly.
How to Dispose of Cooking Oil
The most suitable way to dispose of cooking oil and grease is to throw them in the trash. But there is a series of safety steps you’ll need to follow before you do so. Here is the safest way to dispose of these hot liquids:
- Allow the oil or fats to cool and solidify.
- After it has cooled, push the grease into a container that can be thrown away.
- When the container is full, place it in a plastic bag to prevent leakage and throw it in the garbage.
- Once you’ve gotten rid of the grease, take a paper towel and wipe all frying pans, skillets, and other pots and pans, before cleaning them in the sink. Remember, even small amounts of leftover grease are hazardous to your plumbing as they build up over time.
How to Reuse Cooking Oil
Some homeowners keep the fats, as they can be reused or recycled. You can reuse your cooking oil, as long as it has been cooked properly, without heating it past its smoke point.
Take the following steps to reuse oil and grease:
- Strain the warm oil using a coffee filter or paper towels, removing any food particles.
- Store in an air-tight container in the fridge, freezer, or another cool dark place.
- Test the cooking oil before using it by smelling it to make sure it’s not stale.
- Reuse oil for sautéing, deep frying, pan frying, and baking. After a few uses, discard cooking oil in the trash can, following the steps above.
Recycle Your Leftover Oil at a Local Collection Site
Some municipalities collect used kitchen grease and oil for recycling. By choosing a recycling facility for disposal, you will keep your fat out of the landfill and turn it into alternative energy, like biodiesel.
To recycle your oil:
- Strain the oil to remove food particles.
- Store in a sealable, disposable container.
- Deliver it to your local recycling site.
- When using a recycling facility, call to see if you can mix different kinds of oils and fats in the same container.
If you’re dealing with kitchen sink issues, you may want your pipes and drains assessed by an experienced plumber. Gene Wagner Plumbing is proud of being one of the best plumbers in Milwaukee. Check out our profile on Expertise. For more information, contact us or call us at 414-541-9217.
