When it comes to getting rid of cooking oil and grease, many people wonder what the best way to dispose of it is. While dumping it in the trash or pouring it down the drain may seem like good options at first, in reality, these methods can be harmful to you and your environment. There are several steps you can take to properly dispose of cooking oil and grease from your home, ensuring that it won’t end up harming you or making a mess of your local water supply.
Let it Cool
While it’s tempting to dump hot grease in your trash can, avoid doing so. Hot grease has a tendency to spit and splatter—not an ideal trait in a dirty container. Allow grease or oil cool at room temperature before throwing them out. If you don’t have enough time to wait, place hot oil or grease into a sealed container or bucket filled with sand or dirt. Let them cool there before disposing of them properly.
Put It in a Rigid Container
Put your oil or grease in a rigid container like a plastic or glass jar, or even an empty coffee can. The problem with trying to dispose of cooking oil by pouring it into a conventional garbage bag is that it’s likely to leak out. If you do pour directly into your trash can, then make sure you seal it up as tightly as possible. You could also line your trash can with bags for added protection against leakage.
Pour Dish Soap In
Dish soap is a great way to quickly dissolve grease, as it breaks down all types of fats. Mix three parts water with one part dish soap in a large bucket and let it sit overnight. The next day, add more water and stir thoroughly until most of your grease or oil is gone (you can use a slotted spoon for particularly stubborn spots). You’ll be left with about three quarts worth of very soapy water; store that in an empty jug or milk carton, then put a tight lid on top so that no animals or children can get into it (not just because they could drown but also because they could consume some nasty chemicals along with those leftovers!). Throw away leftover fat bits in your trash.
Add Hot Water and Stir
Add hot water, one quart at a time, stirring each time until grease is dissolved. If you have access to a sewer line, connect the hose from your kitchen sink to your outside spigot; open up both ends so that you can pour in hot water from your faucet. Put on some rubber gloves and shovel in some soap. Let it run for about 10 minutes. Then, turn off your outside spigot and let it sit for an hour or two. Once cooled down, use a sieve to scoop out any remaining chunks of food waste. Dispose of them properly in either your compost pile or trash bin (depending on what they are).
Cover With a Lid
Another reason that oil can last so long is because it’s protected from oxygen and light. Exposure to these elements causes oils to go rancid. Keeping a lid on your containers will keep them fresh longer. Additionally, try storing your used cooking oil in a cool, dark place like your pantry or closet. Just make sure you don’t leave it out where you’re bound to forget about it! Throw It Out: If your oil has cooled down, feel free to throw it in your trashcan or trash bag.
Scoop Out Hardened Oil into a Garbage Bag
Before you throw away any solidified cooking oil, make sure that it’s completely hardened. If your grease is still in liquid form, scoop it out into a bowl or container, then throw it away once it’s cooled. When a large amount of greasy solids have accumulated in your skillet or frying pan over time, it can be difficult to remove all traces of oil with soap and water alone; instead, let them sit until they’ve solidified before attempting disposal.