“Dumping Grease: Where And How?”

Grease and oil are byproducts of cooking, frying, and baking. While it may be tempting to pour liquid oils or scrape remnants of grease into the kitchen sink, this should be avoided at all costs. Grease and oil will stick to the insides of pipes, causing clogs and blockages that can result in costly sewer backups and overflows. These backups and overflows can cause health hazards, damage interiors, and threaten the environment. So, what is the best way to dispose of grease from a pan?

Don't pour grease down the drain

It is never a good idea to pour grease down the drain. Grease, oil, and fat can cause extensive damage to your drainage system, garbage system, and even the sewer system. Even if you run hot water and pour dish soap after pouring grease down the drain, it will solidify somewhere in your plumbing, causing clogs and plumbing issues.

How Grease Causes Clogs

Grease solidifies as it cools and can become lodged in your pipes and block drains. The fats in the grease break down into fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids from the grease gradually bind to the calcium found in sewers and sewer pipes, forming a waxy, soap-like compound. As people flush more and more grease down their drainpipes, these solid compounds accumulate on the ceiling of sewer pipes and form stalactites of fat, commonly known as "fatbergs."

The Environmental Impact of Grease Down the Drain

Damage to a sewer system can have a massive negative environmental impact. Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) are a release of untreated or partially treated sewage resulting from inappropriate materials sent to sewers or improper sewer maintenance. SSOs present health risks, including the transmission of viruses and bacteria and mold and fungi growth. They also expose bodies of water and drinking sources to human waste and pollutants. Grease and oil can also travel into and contaminate natural waterways, depleting the water's oxygen levels and suffocating any wildlife living in it.

How to Dispose of Grease

• Let it cool and solidify: Allow the grease to cool down and solidify in the pan.
• Scrape it into a separate container: Once the grease has solidified, use a spatula or cloth to scoop or wipe it out into a disposable container.
• Throw it in the trash: Place the container of grease into the trash. Make sure to seal the container securely to prevent leaks.
• Wipe down the pans: After disposing of the majority of the grease, use paper towels or a plastic scraper to wipe down any remaining grease from the pans before washing them.

Other Tips

• Reuse your cooking oil and grease: Cooking oils and fats can be reused if stored properly. Allow the grease to cool and harden, then store it in an airtight container.
• Recycle your cooking oil: Waste disposal companies may take used cooking oil to create biofuels. Drop off your oil at a recycling site or participating restaurant.
• Use absorbent waste to soak it up: Mix oil and grease with absorbent waste to turn it into solid waste that can be thrown away.
• Compost the leftover cooking grease: Sprinkle small amounts of vegetable oil into a compost bin. Avoid using animal fats as the smell can attract animals.

Reuse your cooking oil and grease

Cooking oils and fats can be reused if stored properly. Here are some tips to help you do it safely and correctly:

• Allow grease to cool and harden before storing it.
• Store the oil in an airtight container.
• Take a few sniffs before each use to ensure the oil doesn't smell rancid. You can also rub a bit between your fingers to check if it feels smooth rather than tacky and sticky.
• Oil starts to degrade once you cook with it and will continue to deteriorate with each use, so there is a limit to how many times you can reuse it. Each time you reuse oil, it gets more and more destabilized until it decomposes.
• Choose a cooking oil with a high smoking point (400°F/204°C or above). A higher smoking point means your oil will last better under higher temperatures and is more likely to be reusable. Try using canola, avocado, sesame, sunflower, or grapeseed oils.
• Avoid using olive oil for frying as it has a low smoking point and doesn't readily lend itself to reuse.
• Filter the oil through cheesecloth or coffee filters to remove any impurities, such as loose crumbs or sediment. This step is especially important if you're frying anything breaded or battered, as the excess food particles will burn the next time you heat the oil.
• Store the oil away from heat sources, such as the stove, oven, microwave, or direct sunlight. Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard.
• Store the oil in a sealed container, such as a glass jar or the original bottle.
• Reuse the oil with similar food items. Cooking oil will retain the flavour of the food you cook in it, so only reuse it with foods that have a similar or compatible flavour. For example, if you used the oil to fry chicken, you could reuse it to fry potatoes.
• Consider storing the oil in the refrigerator if you think you will keep it for more than a week. This will help slow down any potential bacteria growth and allow you to reuse the oil for longer.

Recycle your cooking oil

Recycling your cooking oil is a great way to dispose of it safely and reduce waste. Here are some tips to help you recycle your cooking oil effectively:

Choose a suitable container

Select a container to collect your used cooking oil, such as an old coffee can, a plastic bottle, or a glass jar. Ensure that the container has a tight-fitting lid or a seal to prevent leaks.

Allow the oil to cool

It is important to let the oil cool down completely before handling and transferring it to the designated container. Hot oil can be dangerous and may also melt plastic trash bags, creating a mess.

Strain the oil

Before recycling, it is a good idea to strain the oil to remove any food particles or impurities. You can use a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer to do this. Straining the oil will help improve its quality and extend its shelf life.

Find a recycling centre or drop-off location

Used cooking oil can be recycled into biofuels. Contact your local waste management department or use an online tool such as RecycleFinder to locate a collection site or recycling centre near you. Many restaurants also participate in oil recycling programs and may accept your used cooking oil.

Transport and dispose of the oil responsibly

Once your container is full, seal it securely and transport it to the designated drop-off location. Dispose of the oil at the recycling centre, following any specific instructions provided by the facility.

Maintain proper storage and handling practices

Always store your used cooking oil in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Handle the containers with care to avoid spills or leaks, and ensure that the lids are securely fastened after each use.

Recycling your cooking oil is an environmentally friendly alternative to simply throwing it away. By following these steps, you can help reduce waste, protect your plumbing, and contribute to the creation of sustainable biofuels. Remember to practice proper handling and disposal methods to ensure a safe and responsible recycling process.

Use absorbent waste to soak it up

Mixing oil and grease with absorbent waste is a safe and effective way to dispose of grease from pans. This method turns fatty grease into solid waste, which can then be thrown away with other household trash.

There are several materials that can be used to absorb grease and oil. These include sand, sawdust, and baking soda. Cat litter is another popular option that is commonly used in the restaurant industry due to its effectiveness in soaking up grease spills. Wood shavings, sand, or sawdust can also be used to absorb grease.

If you're looking for a more specialized product, companies like EP Minerals offer a range of absorbent products specifically designed for cleaning up water, oil, and grease. Their products include Optisorb, an industrial-grade absorbent, and Safe T Sorb, which is ideal for high-traffic areas and safety applications.

When using absorbent waste to dispose of grease, it's important to follow these steps:

• Identify a safe and suitable absorbent material, such as those mentioned above.
• Apply the absorbent material to the grease, ensuring complete coverage.
• Allow the absorbent to soak up the grease for a sufficient amount of time.
• Sweep up or collect the solidified absorbent and dispose of it in the trash.
• Clean the area with chemical-free products to remove any residue and eliminate potential odours.

By following these steps and using absorbent waste, you can safely and effectively dispose of grease from pans without causing harm to your plumbing or the environment.

Compost the leftover cooking grease

Composting leftover cooking grease is not recommended, as it can attract pests and rodents to your compost pile. However, if you wish to do so, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to note that not all cooking grease can be composted. Small volumes (up to 1 cup) of plant-based oils are best for home composting. Animal fats, such as bacon grease, are not suitable for composting as they can attract pests and rodents with their strong smell. Even plant-based oils should be used sparingly, as too much oil can clog the soil and prevent it from breathing and absorbing water efficiently.

If you choose to compost plant-based oils, simply pour them over your compost pile and blend them in. You can also compost the paper towels used to wipe oil from pans and kitchen surfaces. However, it is important to note that community compost bins do not accept cooking grease, as it may be too difficult for the compost to break down without sufficient sunlight.

Before composting any type of grease, it is essential to check with your local guidelines and regulations, as some communities may have specific rules or drop-off locations for composting grease and oil. Additionally, always use a non-recyclable container to collect and store your grease before disposing of it, whether through composting or regular trash disposal.

Remember, pouring grease down the drain is never a safe option, as it can clog your pipes and damage your plumbing. So, while composting leftover cooking grease may not be ideal, there are other safe and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of it properly.

Frequently asked questions