How to Dispose of Used Cooking Oil

Deep-frying, cooking bacon, or browning ground beef are some of the techniques for frying or using cooking oil. However, irrespective of the method you plan on using for your meal preparation, there is a high tendency you will have some cooking oil as leftovers. This is the point many people usually get wrong, especially on the best way to dispose of leftover cooking oil. Not to worry, though. This article will teach you the exact thing to do with your used cooking oil. 

The state of the oil will determine the preservation method for used cooking oil. For instance, if you notice the oil is not looking good after using any cooking oil brand, then there is no point in preserving it for future use. On the other hand, preserving it properly for future usage is the best idea if the oil still looks good. 

But in the case of cooking oil that is not in good condition, disposing of it in an ideal way should be your priority. Cooking oil, unlike other cooking items, can’t be dropped off in the waste bin, neither should it be poured down the drain. You should check your local waste department procedure on ways you can dispose of used cooking oil. The tips listed below will help you. 

Reuse cooking oil

Now, if you are the type that deep–fry or fry food regularly, there is nothing wrong with preserving your used cooking oil for reusable purposes. After each frying session, the first thing to do is wait for the oil to cool down a bit. Secondly, carefully drain the oil through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove any particles or crumbs from the oil. Finally, get a neat airtight container to pour the oil, then store it in a dark place until you are ready to use it again another time. 

However, it is essential to state that you should only reuse cooking oil once or twice. And before reusing the oil, it is advisable to sniff it. This will help you know if the oil has any rancid smell. If it does, then dispose of it because, at this stage, the oil is not healthy for consumption.

The procedure of disposing of used cooking oil

The moment you realize the oil is already in a bad state, the next thing you should consider is initiating the process of disposing of the oil. 

Let the oil chill a bit

This is important because you don’t want to dispose of the oil when the temperature is still hot. After frying, then wait for the temperature to drop. Once the temperature drops, pour it into a container before disposing of it into a waste bin.

Combine with other materials 

Like every other type of oil, cooking oil is usually greasy, so relying on just the container alone can be very risky most of the time. Imagine if the container mistakenly opens up? That will be a total mess. So, since you don’t want to risk that, combine the disposed cooking oil container with other materials that can easily absorb the oil if anything happens. Some of the materials that fall into this category are sand, sand dust, and cat litter. 

You can as well purchase a grease disposal system if you are the type that fries often. However, if you plan to use a grease disposal system, your best bet will be to go for one with a plastic receptacle with foil-lined bags that can hold up to 32 ounces of oil. With a grease disposal system, all you have to do is place a bag directly inside the container, wait for cooking oil to cool down, pour the oil inside the bag, and seal it up before disposing of the garbage bag.

Final thought 

The best way to ensure your cooking oil is in good condition after usage is to store it properly. You can achieve this by pouring the oil into a container, but only when the oil temperature becomes cool. However, after using the oil once or twice, you should dispose of the oil.