Throwing away cooking oil and grease is the best and safest way to dispose of them. Here’s how to properly do so:
- Allow the oil or grease to cool and solidify
- Scrape the grease into a container that can be discarded
- Once the container is full, place it in a plastic bag to prevent leakage and dispose of it in the trash
- Wipe down all pots, pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing to remove any leftover grease that could harm your plumbing system.
Another option is to reuse or recycle the used cooking oil:
- To reuse, strain the semi-warm oil using a cheesecloth, paper towels or coffee filters to remove any food particles, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, freezer or other cool dark place and test the cooking grease before using by smelling it to make sure it’s not rancid.
- To recycle, strain the oil to remove food particles, store it in a sealable container, and deliver it to a local collection site that turns it into alternative energy like biodiesel.
It is important not to pour cooking oil down the drain or toilet as it clogs the plumbing system and can cause damage, and also not to rinse it down the sink. If you accidentally pour oil down the drain, call a professional plumber to clear the clog.