Deep Frying Oil Disposal: Safe Outdoor Dumping?

Deep fryers are a great way to cook delicious treats like French fries and donuts, but disposing of the leftover oil can be tricky. It's important to never pour oil down the sink, as this can cause clogs in home drain lines and contribute to larger clogs in municipal lines. Likewise, dumping oil outside on the ground is harmful to the environment and can kill or injure wildlife. So, what's the best way to dispose of deep fryer oil?

Don't pour oil outside or down the drain

Although it may be tempting to pour used deep fryer oil outside or down the drain, this is not a good idea. Doing so can cause clogs in home drain lines and municipal lines. Pouring oil outside can also cause issues for wildlife and the environment.

How oil affects plumbing

When hot oil cools down, it solidifies and sticks to the inside walls of your kitchen pipes. Over time, the solids will build up and eventually clog your pipes, leading to backups, flooding, and huge plumbing bills. This same principle applies to all plumbing, so avoid putting oil in the toilet or in a septic system.

Environmental impact

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.

What to do with used deep fryer oil instead

If you have used deep fryer oil that you need to dispose of, wait until it cools down, then pour it into a sealable container and throw it in the trash. You can also mix oil with absorbent materials like cat litter, sand, flour, or sawdust, which will soak up the liquid, and then throw it in the trash.

Absorb oil with cat litter, sand or sawdust

Absorbent materials are a great way to dispose of deep fryer oil. However, it is important to note that pouring oil down the sink or onto the ground is extremely harmful to the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that cooking oil can "kill or injure wildlife" and cause other environmental issues.

If you have a lot of oil to dispose of, you can pour it into an absorbent material before throwing it away. Cat litter, sand, sawdust, flour, and even newspaper or paper towels can be used to absorb oil. Simply pour small amounts of oil into the absorbent material and allow it to soak up the liquid. Once the oil is absorbed, place the material into a sealable bag and throw it into the trash.

It is important to note that while cat litter can be effective for small spills, it may not be the best option for larger spills. The oil may not be fully absorbed and can remain on the surface. Additionally, the fine silica dust from the cat litter can stick to shoes and other surfaces, potentially tracking oil back onto the floor or other areas.

Some alternatives to cat litter that are better suited for larger spills include:

• Absorbent powders
• Sawdust
• Absorbent socks and mats
• Commercial oil spill kits
• Cornmeal
• Baking soda
• Commercial oil absorbent products, such as pads and granules

When choosing an absorbent material, consider the size of the spill and the environmental impact of the material. Proper disposal of the contaminated absorbent material is also crucial to prevent further contamination.

Freeze oil to harden it

Freezing oil is an option when you need to dispose of it. However, you should never pour oil down the sink, outside on the ground, or anywhere it could enter the water system. This is because it can cause clogs in home drain lines and contribute to larger clogs in municipal lines. It can also kill or injure wildlife and cause other environmental issues.

How to Freeze Oil

First, wait until the oil has cooled to room temperature. Then, pour it into a sealable container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. Place the container in the freezer.

Oil does not have a specific freezing point like water, but it will solidify at temperatures below 10°F (-12°C). The temperature at which it solidifies depends on the type of oil. For example, canola oil freezes at -10°C (14°F), while soybean oil freezes at -16°C (3°F).

Once the oil has solidified, you can dispose of it in the trash. You may need to use a spoon to scoop the hardened oil out of the container.

Other Disposal Methods

If you do not want to freeze your oil, you can dispose of it in a few other ways:

• Pour it into a sealed container and toss it in the trash.
• Compost small amounts of oil absorbed by newspaper or paper towels.
• Mix large amounts of oil with cat litter, then toss it in the trash.
• Strain and reuse the oil within 1-2 months.

Reuse oil, but only once or twice

Used cooking oil can be reused several times before it needs to be discarded. However, it's important to note that there is no hard and fast rule for how many times you can reuse the oil, as it depends on various factors.

Firstly, the type of frying vessel matters. Unlike dedicated restaurant deep fryers, home setups like pots or woks placed over a burner can cause food particles to sink to the bottom of the pan and burn, imparting a foul flavour to the oil. Therefore, it is recommended to use a deep fryer or a fine-mesh strainer to remove any food particles from the oil after frying.

Secondly, the type of food being fried makes a difference. Battered and breaded foods introduce fewer impurities to the oil, whereas flour-dredged foods like fried fish sandwiches can leave a lot of crumbs and flour residue. Oil used for flour-dredged foods may only last through three to four uses, while battered foods may last through a dozen or more batches.

Additionally, the type of oil and the temperature at which it is heated play a role in its reusability. Refined oils like peanut, canola, vegetable, and corn oils have higher smoke points and can be heated to higher temperatures without smoking. On the other hand, raw oils like extra-virgin olive oil or sesame oil may not even reach frying temperatures before smoking. Oils with higher saturated fat content, such as peanut oil, vegetable shortening, or lard, tend to have longer lifespans and produce crispier results.

Other factors that can affect the reusability of oil include humidity, light, and heat exposure. To prolong the life of your oil, store it in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

When reusing oil, it is crucial to strain and store it properly. Once the oil has cooled completely, strain it through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any residual food particles. Then, pour the strained oil into a clean, sealable container and label it with the date, the type of food it was used for, and the number of times it has been reused. Stored oil can be kept in a cool, dark place, such as the refrigerator, and typically lasts for about one to two months. However, it is important to inspect the oil before each reuse and discard it if it smells bad, looks hazy, or has foam on the surface.

In summary, while there is no definitive answer to how many times oil can be reused, following these guidelines can help extend the life of your frying oil and ensure it remains safe and pleasant to use.

Recycle oil at a local centre

Recycling your used cooking oil is a great way to help the environment and reduce the need for fossil fuels. Many local governments have specific recycling procedures for used cooking oil, and some even offer curbside collection.

To find a recycling centre near you, visit www.earth911.com and search by your ZIP code. This website also provides information on recycling other items, such as batteries, electronics, and aluminium. Alternatively, you can call the Earth's 911 hotline (1-800-CLEANUP) to find your nearest centre.

Many service stations, repair facilities, and quick lubes will also accept used cooking oil and filters. Jiffy Lube, for example, collects used motor oil from customers who change their own oil and sends it to an oil-recycling centre. However, not all Jiffy Lube service centres offer this service, so be sure to call ahead.

Before taking your used cooking oil to a recycling centre, it's important to let it cool completely. Used cooking oil can retain enough heat to cause serious burns for up to an hour or longer after being turned off, so always exercise patience and let it cool off entirely. Once cooled, pour the oil into a sealed container, such as an empty plastic milk jug or soda bottle with a tight screw-on lid, before transporting it to the recycling centre.

By recycling your used cooking oil, you're not only protecting the environment but also putting it to good use. Recycled cooking oil can be transformed into biodiesel fuel, heating oil, asphalt, and other petroleum-based products.

Frequently asked questions