Waste Cooking Oil Recycling Ideas and Uses
Have you ever heard the phrase, "Waste not, want not"? Whether you're a business owner or a homeowner, everyone is looking for ways to save money – and oftentimes, that means finding creative uses for common items. Did you know that waste cooking oil doesn't have to be thrown out once it's used? Instead of allowing it to rot in your compost heap or clog kitchen garbage disposals when you dispose of it, try recycling waste cooking oil. Here are some ideas on what to do with used cooking oil, as well as how to recycle used cooking oil that you can’t reuse.
What to Do With Used Cooking Oil
- Soap. Once used vegetable oil is filtered and cleaned of solids, you can use it to make wonderful soap – a commodity we all need every day!
- Emergency lamps. While flashlights work great during a power outage, lamps are better for prolonged outages. Use filtered waste cooking oil in your oil lamps during emergencies.
- Ant poison. Many have found used cooking oil to be an effective way to dispose of pests like ants.
- Animal feed. While it has traditionally been used in feed for farm animals, many people also pour waste cooking oil over their pets' food to add extra flavoring.
- Dust suppression. If you're looking for a way to keep dust at bay – during construction or drilling projects, for example – give waste cooking oil a try.
- Biofuels. If you’re wondering how to recycle used cooking oil, consider converting it to biofuel. These help to generate power and heat. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), vegetable oil burns more cleanly than fossil fuel. In addition, it does not have an adverse impact on the environment.
- Diesel fuel. With proper conversion techniques, waste cooking oil can be transformed into a diesel fuel that's perfect for older vehicles and tractors.
Precautions for Used Cooking Oil Recycling
Before using your waste cooking oil for any other purpose, be sure to do your research. In some cases, the oil should not have been heated over a certain temperature. Don't forget, you can also often reuse your oil to cook or fry your food, so long as it's not burnt.
Don't Pour Grease or Oil Down the Drain
Whatever you do, don't dispose of your waste cooking oil down the drain, as this can jam your garbage disposal and clog your pipes. This is especially important to remember during the holidays, when most people use the kitchen a lot and have a lot of waste cooking oil they need to dispose of. So put on your thinking cap and consider ways to save your waste cooking oil for other purposes – and save yourself some money.
Don’t Put Grease in Your Garbage Disposal
A misguided thought people often have is that it's okay to pour grease down a garbage disposal. The disposal does not have a special mechanism inside of it that destroys the grease, and the blades won't have much effect either. Instead, the blades will become less effective after repeated coatings of grease.
A few warning signs that will alert you of an impending blocked drain include:
- Slow drainage
- Gurgling noises coming from the drain
- A bad smell
How to Clean Used Cooking Oil
If you want to reuse cooking oil for additional cooking or soapmaking, here are the steps to take:
- Start by letting it cool completely.
- Then, pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove crumbs and food particles.
- Store the filtered oil in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Always toss the oil if it smells rancid, looks cloudy, or foams when heated.
How to Safely Dispose of Grease and Avoid Grease Clogs in Your Sink
Pouring bacon grease down the drain will clog your sink. It’s a fact, and we at Roto-Rooter have been warning homeowners of this fact since our company was founded in 1935. Here are some options on how you can handle used cooking oil instead of dumping it down your drain. No matter which method you use, always make sure to let the grease cool down first so you don’t burn yourself.
Use a Storage Container
Keep a jar or can specifically for collecting grease. Put a lid on it and set it in the corner of the fridge for future use. Once it's full, place it in the garbage can.
Pour the Grease Into a Foil-Lined Bowl
Pour into a foil-lined bowl. Let it harden, fold foil around the fat and throw in the trash.
Use a Paper Towel
If you were cooking bacon or hamburger and only have a little amount of grease in a pan, let it sit out on the stove while you eat your meal. Once the grease has solidified, use a spatula or paper towel to wipe out the mess and throw it in the garbage can.
Pro tip: Do not try composting oil. The grease will only make your pile smell and attract animals.
Find New Ways to Recycle Used Cooking Oil
Getting rid of used cooking oil the wrong way can cause more problems than you think. Pouring it down the drain may seem harmless, but over time, it can harden inside pipes, leading to clogs and sewer backups. Mixing, hardening, or recycling are the best ways to keep oil out of your plumbing. If you’ve already poured oil down the sink and notice slow drains or backups, it’s a good idea to call a licensed Roto-Rooter plumber for help.
FAQS on How to Recycle Used Cooking Oil
What should I do with used cooking oil after frying?
Let the oil cool, then strain out food bits. You can reuse it a few times for frying, or store it in a sealed container and throw it in the trash. Some areas also have recycling drop-offs for cooking oil.
Is it a good idea to pour cooking oil in the garden?
No. Cooking oil can clog soil, attract pests, and harm plants. Instead, dispose of it in a sealed container with your household trash or check if your city has a recycling program.
How do I harden oil for disposal?
Let the oil cool, then mix in an absorbent material like cat litter, coffee grounds, or paper towels. Once it solidifies, seal it in a bag or container and toss it in the trash.