Smart disposal tips for holiday cooking oil waste
Large amounts of waste are produced, especially during the holiday season. You know how to handle the most waste. Compost goes in the brown bin, while glass, paper, and plastic go into the green, blue, and yellow bins. However, the question of what to do with cooking oil remains. Many people pour hot grease from the pan directly into the sink or toilet, but experts warn against the consequences of doing so.
In the kitchen, while frying Christmas Eve carp, it's hard to keep things tidy. Grease on the stove breadcrumbs on the counter, and the smell of fried fish can quickly become overwhelming—no wonder you're eager to eliminate it as soon as possible. The first step is to clean the pan, which can spread the mess and the unpleasant aroma. There are two ways to dispose of cooking oil without risking damage to drain pipes and while being mindful of the environment.
What's the best way to clean oil from the pan?
If there is a small amount of oil, the easiest method is one practiced by chefs. It's very simple: wipe the pan with a paper towel and dispose of the used towel in the trash bin for mixed waste. The problem arises when there is more oil.
Where to pour oil from the pan?
According to guidelines, used cooking oil should be poured into a PET bottle and placed in a black bin for mixed waste. Avoid using a glass jar, as it can break when disposing of trash.
Be cautious when transferring to a plastic bottle. Do not pour hot oil into it, as the plastic will melt. Wait for the grease to cool down first. Larger amounts of grease should be securely transported in a tightly sealed container to a Municipal Waste Collection Point.
Why can't I pour oil into the sink or toilet?
Liquid grease settles in the pipes, and other food remnants stick to the adhesive liquid. Once cooled, this creates a blockage that obstructs drainage. Common chemical products are difficult to use to clear such a blockage. A plumber's intervention will be necessary if the drain becomes completely clogged, leading to expensive repair bills.
Pouring cooking oil into the sink or toilet also has environmental consequences. Grease is not entirely removed at wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, the least harmful solution is to throw the bottle with used grease into the mixed waste bin.
Can cooking oil be segregated?
In some areas of Canada, there are special containers for segregating used cooking oil. Oil poured into a PET bottle should be disposed of in such a place. After cleaning and processing, the grease can be used in industrial production, for example, as an additive to biofuels. Oil from frying chops or fish, as well as the brine from vegetable preserves or fish marinated in oil, can be used for segregation.
Used oil should not be added to compost. Adding dirty grease disrupts the work of bacteria that break down organic matter. Oil in the soil also poses a threat to organisms living underground and can lead to the contamination of surface waters.
