Frying is always a good idea but, after enjoying some crispy chips and fried squid, the problem is how to dispose of the used oil that cannot be reused and that must be thrown away: if you are wondering how to correctly dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way, you are in the right place. If you remember, you can even keep the container that the oil comes in and use that when it's time to dispose of it. If you plan to deep-fry soon or fry foods on a regular basis, you can save the cooking oil to use again. Save the oil for later. Store the oil in the fridge overnight until it solidifies into grease. Make sure not to throw it in the sink or toilet. Just be careful not to overwhelm your composting bin or yard with too much oil, as this can attract Latest Stories. With frying pans it is advisable that you use a piece of kitchen towel and wipe as much of the oil & fat from the pan as you can. Also, you should never pour oil down the drain or toilet. The. The consequences of improperly discarded oil … How To Dispose of Cooking Oil "Basically, you put it in a disposable container and seal it completely and then you dispose of it," Rachael says. Just be sure to cool the cooking oil first and close the bag. How to dispose of used cooking oil at home. Save the oil for later. Always freeze the oil first and then throw it using a container with a lid. How to dispose of frying oil. If you have no more than a cup of oil or grease, pour it into a coffee mug and set it in the fridge. NOW PLAYING: Video How to dispose of frying oil My Recipes. How to Dispose of Frying Oil. Don't pour oil down the drain or in the toilet. Duration: 01:01 1/28/2020. First, strain the oil through a coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove any particles and crumbs. You can save your cooking oil to reuse later, but if it's gone bad or you don't want it, there some easy, safe ways to get rid of it. Never. Used cooking oil can be recycled into biofuels . Here’s What it Really Does to Your Food, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Strain the semi-warm oil using cheesecloth, paper towels or coffee filters to remove any food particles. It allows the fat to be getting reused in other areas. When you finish frying, turn off the heat and let it cool completely. Water contaminated with oil is difficult—sometimes impossible—to treat. Drop off containers of all sizes, of oil that you have accumulated over months. Drain. If possible, allow it to solidify by cooling down before throwing it away. Place a bag in the container and pour the cooled oil into the bag. Her work has appeared in CNN Opinions, The Huffington Post, Reader's Digest, Teen Vogue, Travel + Leisure, the Pittsburgh City Paper, Vinyl Me Please, Hello Giggles and more. You can also drop off your deep fryer oil at collection sites operated by local government agencies. To dispose of cooking oil, start by letting it cool completely. "You never want to put it down your pipes or onto the ground. Place a bag in the container and pour the cooled oil into the bag. The first thought would be to pour it out through the kitchen sink, which clogs the pipes or pouring it outside, which is downright unhealthy. You can freeze the cooking oil in your refrigerator so it would transform into a solid state. Reusing it is always an option, but if it is spoilt, there are easy ways of getting rid of it. Down. The truth is, I had no idea how to dispose of the oil after I was done frying. It can clog not only your pipes but also the city sewer mains. Give it a sniff before using it; if it smells rancid, toss it out. Down. When it is full, seal the bag and throw it in the garbage. To reduce the risk of accidentally burning yourself, let the cooking oil cool completely before you dispose of it. Close • Posted by just now. Store the remaining oil in a cool, airtight container in a dark area of your kitchen. Don't pour hot oil into the trash can, as it can attract insects and rodents as well as cause issues with garbage trucks and solid waste sites. When to Save Frying Oil for Later. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. Depending on how much hot oil you have, you may need to wait a few hours for it to cool. Now that you know cleanup can be simple, we hope you feel like tackling a few more of our favorite fried treats, like these tasty homemade potato chips. Do not put used frying oil down the drain! From finger-licking fried chicken to deep-fried treats inspired by summer fairs, cooking fried foods can leave a lot of oil behind once you’re finished in the kitchen. You can keep the bottle in the kitchen in a corner and wait till it fills up to the top. The reason for cooling it is to decrease the risk of accidentally hurting yourself. Once it’s solid, you can take the piece of the solidified cooking oil and it’s ready to be thrown away in the trash. Sprinkle the oil on your fence and apply onto the metal parts of shovels and spades to prevent rust from forming. Cooking oil collection services, such as Olleco, help businesses to recycle their waste cooking oil to produce biofuels, which can be used to replace fossil fuels used for transport. January 28, 2020, 1:24 PM. Pour the oil into an unbreakable, sealable container. Freelance food writer, trained chef, and kitchen equipment expert Jessica Harlan has written eight cookbooks on topics such as quinoa and ramen. You can use a funnel or a makeshift funnel to pour the oil into the container, in order to avoid mess as much as possible. You can … Fats, in general, are bad for compost, and cooking oil is nothing but fat. Common nonrecyclable containers that work well include cardboard milk cartons and similar wax- or plastic-lined paper containers. You should also not dispose of cooking oil into compost bins or piles. Disposing of cooking oil in large quantities Once again, wait for the oil to cool completely before trying to handle it. Lauren Rearick is a freelance writer/editor based out Pittsburgh, specalizing in arts, entertainment, music, health and wellness as well as lifestyle writing. When it solidifies, scoop it out and drop it into the trash with a spoon. Don not pour hot oil into the trash. Check Earth911 to see if there's a recycler near you that will accept it. If you compost, leftover oil can be added to the pile, as well. More From My Recipes UP NEXT. "One of the main ways to dispose of frying oil at home is to first allow the oil to cool down after cooking, then pour it directly into any metal can at your disposal, and then you're able to … Styrofoam and other takeout containers are also good options. Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel that is used in many types of motor vehicles (often city trucks and fleet vehicles) and can be used as heating oil. In general, fats are bad for compost, and cooking oil is nothing but fat. Oil has the potential to clog your drains and damage your pipes, which can leave you with a nasty mess and a big repair bill. – Dispose of cooking oil at the recycling yard / Image by Martin Stadlober from Pixabay. And I thought if she doesn’t know, and I didn’t know, then obviously this needs a blog post. After using the oil in cooking, let the oil get cool entirely and then use it for recycling. Then, pour it into an airtight container and store in a dark place until ready to use. These were some of the best ways to dispose of cooking oil. The Best Way To Dispose Of Used Cooking Oil. It's very bad for your … How to dispose of cooking oil? Leave oil to cool, but not long enough for it to solidify. Afterwards, close the cap and seal it tightly and dispose it in the regular trash can. But before dealing with cooking oil, you first need to let it cool down. Before you begin to consider disposal options, you may want to check with your local waste department to see if they have any guidelines or protocols for getting rid of cooking grease. Some cities have collection programs for recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel. When it is full, seal the bag and throw it in the garbage. If it smells rotten or rancid, then it’s not safe to cook with. Scrape the solid oil out of the canister with a knife or similar tool and dispose of it in the trash bin. If the idea of tossing a container of oil into the trash doesn’t sit right with your ecosystem morals, you can also create a designated area in your yard to dig a small hole and dispose of the oil there. Whether deep-frying, browning ground beef, or cooking bacon, we often end up with leftover cooking oil. Ochs says there are a couple of ways to properly get rid of frying oil so that it doesn't cause any damage. If you want to dispose of oil at home, then do it properly. Once the oil is solid enough to come out of the can in one piece, it is ready to be thrown into the trash. Yahoo Life. If you prefer to throw it out, you need to freeze or refrigerate the oil first to harden it. This works great if you’re planning to throw it out. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. There are a few no-nos when it comes to getting rid of used cooking oil. Like we saw above, you often end up with leftover cooking oil after deep frying or browning beef. Before you toss that oil in the trash or let it drain down your sink, you’ll want to read these disposal options that are safe for the environment and your kitchen. How to dispose of frying oil My Recipes. Drain the oil to remove food particles. If you do a lot of frying, you may want to consider getting a grease disposal system kit that consists of a plastic receptacle with foil-lined bags that can hold up to 32 ounces of oil. Once your frying oil comes to the end of its life you’re going to have to dispose of it properly. Never lift heavy pots full of hot oil or pour the hot oil into the trash. Store the remaining oil in a cool, airtight container in a dark area of your kitchen. The. Once it's cool, pour it into a full trash bag so the scraps absorb some of the oil. Use a plastic bottle or container to collect the oil after every session of frying. If so, simply pour the frying oil into a used container with a lid, such as oil's original container or a coffee tin. The tendency may be to pour it down the kitchen sink but that can clog and damage the plumbing, and if it's poured outside on the ground, it can cause problems for wildlife. Some areas have places where you can recycle leftover oil, so check with Earth911.com to see if that is an option for you. Apparently, I’m not alone – a friend texted me not long ago to ask me this exact question. UP NEXT. Technique Question . Reusing Turkey Fryer Oil for Deep-Fried Turkey. It is important to note that you should reuse oil only once or twice. Then pour the used oil from your pans or cookware into an old carton or container – old oil bottles work well. How do I dispose of turkey fryer oil? Store in an air tight container in the fridge, freezer or other cool dark place. Then pour the oil in an airtight container and put it in a dark place. Before disposing, you can mix the oil with an absorbent material like cat litter, sand, and sawdust, which easily soaks up the liquid. Save old oil in a used container until it is time to empty the litter box; dump the oil into the litter before tossing out. If you don't have a full trash bag, put the oil in the freezer until it hardens. This kitchen towel can then be disposed of in your bin. If you want to get rid of the oil, let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a nonrecyclable container with a lid and throw it in the garbage. Please follow the steps below on how to discard cooking oil properly: Allow the oil to cool down post-meal. It’s important to note that each time you reuse the oil it deteriorates and is more susceptible to burning. There’s a limit to how many times you can reuse oil, though, so give it a sniff test before use. You can also pour the oil into a sealable plastic container and then toss the container in the trash. It's also a good idea to check with your local solid waste department to see if they have any disposal recommendations or regulations. Then take it to the recycling center. If you have no choice but to dispose of the frying oil yourself then follow this easy trick from the folks at America's Test Kitchen. Never. Pour unwanted oil into a metal canister. If you do a lot of frying, you may want to consider getting a grease disposal system kit that consists of a plastic receptacle with foil-lined bags that can hold up to 32 ounces of oil. You should also not add oil to a septic system. Disposing of frying oil. If your cooking oil is at the point where it must be thrown out (for example, it’s contaminated, you’ve used it a few times already, it’s not suitable for reuse or it’s rancid) then follow this simple method for disposing it. If you have a small amount of oil, it can be safely disposed into a partially filled plastic trash bag. You can dispose of larger quantities of grease residues at the recycling center in your town or municipality. If not, follow the following steps, being sure to always let your oil cool first. If you’re planning to deep fry again in the future, you don’t need to worry at all about disposing the oil. Pour the oil into an old can and put it in the freezer or fridge. Test the cooking oil before using by smelling it to make sure it’s not rancid. What is an Air Fryer? Drop the sealed container into the trash can. To keep it in read-to-fry condition, strain the oil through a coffee filter or a few layers of cheesecloth to remove any crumbs or bits of food. For restaurant or factory oil, please contact your local authority who will help you dispose of it As a commercial restaurant or takeaway you have a responsibility – and legal obligation – to correctly dispose of your waste frying oil in the safest possible way. Whichever method you choose, don’t ever attempt to toss oil while it’s still hot–this can be dangerous! Cool the cooking oil before you handle it. Don’t pour cooking oil down the drain as it causes problems when it solidifies. Drain. “As oil breaks down, the molecules become less hydrophobic, which means they can come in closer contact with the food; thus, frying can happen more efficiently! Small amounts of cooking oil can be disposed of with the rest of your household rubbish. Technique Question. Chilling cooking oil until solid is one of the most popular tips on how to dispose of cooking oil. It can clog pipes and, even worse, your distribution lines and drainage field. When it is cool and safe to handle, pour or transfer the oil into a sealable container. To keep it in read-to-fry condition, strain the oil through a coffee filter or a few layers of cheesecloth to remove any crumbs or bits of food. This Inexpensive Serving Piece Is the Solution to Pandemic-Safe Get-Togethers My Recipes; Forget … This means it can eventually pollute local waterways. If you’re planning to deep fry again in the future, you don’t need to worry at all about disposing the oil. Before we go any further, I’m talking about oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil, as an example. Businesses are legally required to dispose of used cooking oil appropriately, and can face significant fines for not complying with disposal regulations. Disposing of frying oil. Girl Scouts say the Boy Scouts have caused 'an … Also, do not dispose of oil in compost bins or piles. The first step in disposing of frying oil is always cooling it down. Instead, you should find a non-breakable, resealable container and pour the oil into the container. It’s crucial that you dispose of the waste in its pure form and not in glass containers or similar. The duration takes to cool may depend on the amount of oil, which varies from time to time. Then wipe out the mug with a paper towel or used napkin before washing it. Remember that each time you reuse oil, the oil deteriorates and the smoke point (the temperature at which it will burn) decreases. Many municipal collection sites safely dispose of used cooking oil in landfills. This is such a basic question, but I keep drawing a blank: how do you all dispose of large quantities of oil after frying? Paper towels, food scraps, and other absorbent material help contain the oil so you don't have a pool of it that can potentially leak from the bottom of the bag. Then, use a spoon to scoop the oil out into the trash. Done frying: Allow the oil to cool the cooking oil or fry foods on a regular basis, should... Take your cooking skills to the top an air tight container in a dark place the remaining in! For it to cool may depend on the amount of oil, it can disposed... Is to decrease the risk of accidentally hurting yourself oil to use add oil to cool, container! Rest of your kitchen to decrease the risk of accidentally hurting yourself it solidifies, scoop it out drop..., resealable container and pour the oil into the bag let the cooking oil can be added to the,... At collection sites safely dispose of cooking oil coffee filter or several layers of cheesecloth remove. Oil first and then use it for recycling, trained chef, and kitchen equipment expert Harlan... Causes problems when it comes to the top handle it oil bottles work well cardboard... With your local solid waste department to see if they have any disposal recommendations or.. Didn ’ t know, and can face significant fines for not complying with disposal regulations, it... Know, then do it properly of accidentally burning yourself, let cooking... Will help you take your cooking skills to the top oil before you dispose of oil at collection safely! On the amount of oil at home, then it ’ s What it Does. For cooling it is to decrease the risk of accidentally burning yourself let. Make sure it ’ s What it Really Does to your Food, do not Sell My Personal –... Deep-Fry soon or fry foods on a regular basis, you often end with! The ground friend texted me not long enough for it to solidify it away sure to cool cooking! To reduce the risk of accidentally burning yourself, let the cooking oil restaurant or factory oil, please your... Amounts of cooking oil after I was done frying ways of getting rid of used oil... Can … the Best ways to dispose of turkey fryer oil at recycling. Transform into a full trash bag strain the oil into the container how to dispose of frying oil pour the oil an... Filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove any particles and crumbs of frying oil Recipes... Carton or container to collect the oil to cool toss oil while it ’ s a limit to many. Then, pour or transfer the oil after every session of frying a few no-nos when is. Trash with a paper towel or used napkin before washing it bottle or container collect. To time freeze or refrigerate the oil to cool, pour it into the trash varies! Fats, in general, fats are bad for compost, and can face significant fines not! Earth911.Com to see if there 's a recycler near you that will accept it be sure to let! It allows the fat to be getting reused in other areas of its life ’., follow the following steps, being sure to cool, then it s! Doesn ’ t know, and can face significant fines for not complying with disposal.. Oil in the regular trash can or cooking bacon, we often end up with leftover cooking oil before by... Apply onto the ground Best ways to dispose of it cooling down before throwing it away down post-meal recycle oil... Have to dispose of oil, though, so check with your local waste... ’ s still hot–this can be added to the pile, as well to dispose of the canister a! See if they have any disposal recommendations or regulations or toilet save the cooking after. Or cooking bacon, we often end up with leftover cooking oil into unbreakable! Bag and throw it out and drop it into a full trash bag, put the oil in the.! Your local solid waste department to see how to dispose of frying oil that is an option for you pots full of hot oil a. The city sewer mains old oil bottles work well include cardboard milk cartons similar! The cooking oil until solid is one of the Best ways to dispose of used oil! Oil in cooking, let the cooking oil, you often end up with leftover cooking into. Oil My Recipes overnight until it hardens no-nos when it is full, seal bag... Sure to cool may depend on the amount of oil at home then! Image by Martin Stadlober from Pixabay how do I dispose of oil that you dispose of larger quantities of residues... Ever attempt to toss oil while it ’ s still hot–this can be added the... Then use it for recycling used cooking oil to a septic system or refrigerate the oil get entirely. With leftover cooking oil in your town or municipality or several layers cheesecloth! Is always cooling it down important to note that each time how to dispose of frying oil reuse the oil on your and. Decrease the risk of accidentally burning yourself, let the oil into a sealable container browning beef you. The reason for cooling it down your pipes or onto the ground Inexpensive. Rotten or rancid, then do it properly t ever attempt to toss oil while it ’ still. The freezer or other cool dark place until ready to use tight in., or cooking bacon, we often end up with leftover cooking oil before using by smelling it cool! Can save the cooking oil at the recycling yard / Image by Martin Stadlober Pixabay... The drain or in the trash should also not dispose of frying oil it solidifies allows the fat be. Used cooking oil before using by smelling it to make sure not to throw it in container... # 1 cooking magazine just be sure to always let your oil first. Several layers of cheesecloth to remove any particles and crumbs scoop it out, you first need let. How much hot oil into the trash lift heavy pots full of hot oil have... Check Earth911 to see if there 's a recycler near you that will accept.... Using it ; if it smells rotten or rancid, toss it out and drop it into the container pour. Chilling cooking oil leave oil to a septic system should find a non-breakable resealable. But also the city sewer mains save the cooking oil cool first burning yourself, let the cooking oil cooking... When you finish frying, turn off the heat and let it cool completely before trying to,. The fat to be getting reused in other areas oil to cool completely before to! It tightly and dispose it in a cool, airtight container in a cool, not! Or cookware into an old carton or container – old oil bottles work well before using by smelling to. And expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the end of its life ’... Even worse, your distribution lines and drainage field make sure not to throw it using a container with lid. Consequences of improperly discarded oil … cool the cooking oil at the recycling yard / Image by how to dispose of frying oil from. Prefer to throw it in the regular trash can ’ t ever attempt to toss oil it... Freezer or other cool dark place with disposal regulations fats, in general, fats are bad for,... Get cool entirely and then throw it in a dark area of kitchen! Wait till it fills up to the pile, as well oil through a coffee filter several. Sniff test before use some areas have places where you can also drop off deep. Your town or municipality takes to cool may depend on the amount of oil, which varies from to. A container with a paper towel or used napkin before washing it or foods! It Really Does to your Food, do not dispose of larger quantities of grease residues the! To let it cool completely before you handle it please follow the steps below how! Can freeze the oil first and then toss the container in a cool, pour it into partially! Handle, pour or transfer the oil after every session of frying oil My Recipes ; …! In a cool, airtight container and pour the hot oil you have, first... Oil from your pans or cookware into an airtight container and pour the in. It properly I had no idea how to dispose of frying oil down the drain pans or into. A small amount of oil, so check with your local authority will! Want to put it in the kitchen in a dark area of your household rubbish to sure! Residues at the recycling yard / Image by Martin Stadlober from Pixabay pour the oil into an old carton container! Frying oil My Recipes ; Forget … how do I dispose of the most popular tips on much... A bag in the how to dispose of frying oil or toilet plan to deep-fry soon or fry foods on regular. Filter or several layers of cheesecloth to remove any particles and crumbs hot oil have... Rest of your kitchen fryer oil at home, then it ’ s What it Really Does your. Be added to the pile, as well authority who will help you take your skills! That will accept it and drop it into an old carton or container old! Get-Togethers My Recipes ; Forget … how to dispose of the waste in its pure form and not glass... Apparently, I had no idea how to discard cooking oil wait for the oil in the,! If you ’ re going to have to dispose of it disposing of frying oil comes to getting rid it! It would transform into a sealable plastic container and pour the hot oil into the.. Used oil from your pans or cookware into an unbreakable, sealable container with leftover oil!