Turkey Fryer Oil: Safe Disposal Methods For Outdoors?

Frying a turkey can be a delicious way to prepare your bird, but it's important to know how to dispose of the leftover oil properly. Dumping oil outside can harm wildlife and pollute waterways, so it's best to avoid doing this. Instead, wait for the oil to cool down, then pour it into a sealable container and throw it away with your regular trash. Alternatively, you can recycle the oil by taking it to a local recycler or hazardous waste centre, or by contacting local restaurants for assistance.

Don't pour oil down the drain

It can be tempting to pour oil down the drain, but this can cause issues with your pipes and the wider sewage system.

Clogged Pipes

Oil sticks to pipe walls and can cause clogs in home drain lines. It solidifies as it cools, blocking drains. Even if you have modern pipes, oil can still cause issues for your neighbours if they have older pipes.

Fatbergs

Oil can combine with other waste products such as wet wipes to form hard blockages known as 'fatbergs'. These can wreak havoc on the city's drainage system.

Environmental Damage

Improper disposal of oil can cause serious environmental damage. Oil can kill or injure wildlife and cause other environmental issues. When oil reaches the sewers, it breaks down into glycerol and fatty acids, which bind with calcium to create a soapy compound that clings to the sides of the pipes. This builds up into waxy fatbergs that block sewer lines and cause dangerous backups.

What to do instead

Allow oil to cool and then pour it into a sealable container such as a glass jar or coffee can. You can then dispose of the container in your regular trash or recycling. Alternatively, you can reuse the oil, recycle it at a specialist centre, or give it to someone who can use it for biofuel.

Don't dump oil outside

Dumping oil outside is harmful to the environment and can cause issues for wildlife. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that cooking oil, whether it’s vegetable-based (such as canola) or animal-based (such as lard), can “kill or injure wildlife” and cause a host of other environmental issues.

Dumping oil outside can also cause issues for your local waterways. Oil can make its way into streams, rivers, and other bodies of water, where it can contaminate the water and harm aquatic life.

In addition, dumping oil on the ground can attract pests and create a slippery surface that can be dangerous for people and animals.

If you have a large amount of oil to dispose of, such as the 3 to 5 gallons of oil used to fry a turkey, it's important to dispose of it properly.

So, what's the best way to dispose of cooking oil?

Well, firstly, don't pour it down the sink or drain. When hot oil cools down, it solidifies and sticks to the inside walls of your pipes. Over time, the solids will build up and eventually clog your pipes, leading to backups, flooding, and huge plumbing bills.

Instead, allow the oil to cool to room temperature, then pour it into a sealable container such as a metal can or plastic container (e.g. an empty milk carton or the original oil bottle). Secure the lid and put the container in the trash.

If you're eco-conscious, you might want to consider recycling your cooking oil. Some communities and businesses recycle cooking oil, sending it to refineries that transform it into biodiesel. Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept used cooking oil.

Allow oil to cool before disposal

Allowing your oil to cool before disposal is a crucial step in the process of discarding turkey fryer oil. Not only is it unsafe to handle hot oil, but it can also cause damage to your pipes and trash cans if not properly cooled. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure safe and proper disposal:

Allow the Oil to Cool

Give the oil ample time to cool down to room temperature or a temperature that is safe to handle. This is an important safety measure as oil can retain heat for a long period, and accidental contact with hot oil can cause serious burns. Be patient, as it may take a while for the oil to completely cool, especially if you're dealing with a large volume of oil or using an insulated deep fryer.

Choose the Right Container

Once the oil has cooled, it's time to select an appropriate container for disposal. If you're dealing with congealed oil, such as shortening or lard, you can use an empty shortening tin or a coffee can with a lid. For liquid oils like peanut or safflower oil, opt for a more secure container with a tight lid, such as an empty plastic milk jug or a soda bottle. Using a funnel when pouring oil into narrow-mouthed containers can help prevent spills and messes.

Absorbent Materials

Another option is to mix the cooled oil with absorbent materials to create a solid waste. Add the oil to sand, flour, or cat litter, as these substances will effectively soak up the liquid. This method can be useful if you want to avoid pouring oil directly into containers.

Properly Seal the Container

After pouring the cooled oil into the chosen container, make sure to securely seal the lid. This step is crucial to prevent leaks and spills, which can cause a mess and attract unwanted pests. A tightly sealed container also ensures that the oil is disposed of safely and responsibly.

Dispose of the Container

Finally, you can dispose of the sealed container by placing it in your trash receptacle. If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, consider taking the container to a local recycling center that accepts used cooking oil. Some communities and businesses recycle cooking oil, sending it to refineries to be transformed into biodiesel. Check with your local recycling center or search online to find the nearest collection point.

Remember, allowing the oil to cool before disposal is a necessary safety measure and helps prevent damage to your pipes and trash cans. Always handle oil with care and dispose of it responsibly to minimize any negative impact on the environment.

Put cooled oil in the trash

Putting cooled oil in the trash is an option for disposing of turkey fryer oil, but it should be done carefully. Firstly, the oil must be cooled to room temperature. This is important because hot oil can cause serious burns and, if placed in a plastic container, will melt the container. It is also important to note that hot oil can attract bugs and animals to your trash.

Once the oil has cooled, it should be poured into a sealable, unbreakable container. Containers could include a metal can, a plastic container, an empty milk carton, or the original oil bottle. A funnel can be used to avoid spills when pouring the oil into containers with narrow openings. It is important to secure the lid tightly on the container before disposing of it with the rest of your trash.

To minimise the risk of leaks, only small amounts of oil should be thrown away in the trash. If you have a large amount of oil to dispose of, it may be preferable to find an alternative method, such as recycling.

Recycle oil at a centre or with a restaurant

It is important to dispose of cooking oil properly and safely. Pouring oil down the sink can cause clogs in home drain lines and municipal lines, and pouring it on the ground can kill or injure wildlife and cause other environmental issues.

Recycling centres and restaurants are a great option for disposing of your used cooking oil.

Recycling centres can turn your grease into biofuel to power vehicles. You can find a recycling centre in your area by visiting 1800recycling.com or www.earth911.com. You can also call the Earth's 911 hotline (1-800-CLEANUP). Check with your local regulations to see if you can leave the containers next to your waste bins for pick-up on recycling day.

If you have a large amount of oil, consider reaching out to a local restaurant to see if they will take it off your hands. Restaurants often have contracts with companies that will pay them for their used oil.

Frequently asked questions