How to Dispose of Cooking Oil and Grease Safely
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From fried chicken and traditional yeasted donuts to fried, well, anything—fried foods are some of the most delicious culinary creations out there. And while most of this gets made in professional establishments like restaurants and cafes, some bolder home chefs may embark on their own fried culinary creations. If you plan on frying the traditional way rather than using an air fryer, you'll probably be left with a pot or pan full of used cooking oil when you're finished. Before you pour that hot oil down the sink drain, read this first. These are the best and safest ways to dispose of cooking oil that won't harm your pipes or the environment.
Never Put Cooking Oil Down Your Drain
No, really, you should never do this. It doesn't matter how new your pipes are, how much of a rush you're in, or whether you run hot water while you do it. Cooking oil or grease is one of those things you should never pour down the sink drain. When it cools, it will start to thicken and solidify, basically blocking up and clogging your pipes by sticking to the sides. This can lead to backups and flooding, not to mention a huge plumbing bill. This same principle applies to all plumbing systems, so never dispose of cooking oil by putting it in the toilet or a septic system.
How to Dispose of Cooking Oil Safely
You have two options, and they're both easy. They both involve letting the cooking oil solidify first.
Put It in the Trash
Once the oil has fully cooled, pour it into any container you're willing to throw out. Be sure the oil is at room temperature before pouring it into a plastic container; residual heat from the oil could melt the container (and the garbage bag). Also, hot oil can attract bugs and animals to your trash, which is just gross. We recommend using old milk jugs, ice cream pints, or the original oil bottle. Place the oil-filled container in your regular trash, not the recycling.
Take It to a Recycling Center
Ask your local recycling center if they accept used cooking oil. A lot of municipalities do, or they can direct you to a drop-off center. Collect the oil in an empty gallon milk jug or other disposable container, and, it's once full, take it to the recycling center. If you're unsure, call up a local restaurant for assistance in throwing away cooking oil; they may be able to take it off your hands.
How to Store Cooking Oil for Reuse
Cooking oil absorbs the flavors of whatever you cook in it. You may not want to keep oil you've used to fry something with a strong flavor, like fish or other meats.
Strain It
To remove any bit of fried food, run the fully cooled cooking oil through a sieve or strainer. Discard anything in the strainer in the regular garbage.
Then Store It
Pour the strained cooking oil into an airtight container (plastic is fine). Cooking oil stays good for up to a week at room temperature and up to two years in the freezer.
How to Tell When Cooking Oil Needs to be Thrown Out
Your sense of smell is your bet friend when determining whether stored cooking oil is past its peak. Rancid oil may smell bitter, soapy, or stale. If the oil smells different than it used to, you should throw it out. The appearance of the oil can also clue you in. It's normal for many oils to grow cloudy and separate when refrigerated, but oil that has turned dark or has a foamy surface at room temperature should be thrown out.
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