So you’ve fried some bacon and deep-fried that turkey and had the ground beef browned, and now you’re left with a lot of used oil which is hard to get rid of. You’re tired, and you’re most likely to give in to the temptation of simply pouring the oil down the drain. However,this may give rise to very dear consequences, like blockage from a drain pipe cloggedwith solidified oil which might cause your basement to be flooded with sewage.
Save ItForReuse
If you like to deep fry a lot, you should save the oil for reuse at the next cooking session. Before storing, use a standard coffee strainer or several layers of cheesecloth to separate the oil from the crumbs and other particles. Then pour the filtered oil into an airtight container and store in a dark corner. Remember that you can only reuse the oil once or twice because each time you use it the quality depreciates. Do not use again if you notice a fetid smell.
Oil Disposal Options
Oil should be properly disposed of if it is not intended for reuse. Check with your local waste disposal company for specifications and regulations about proper oil disposal. Here are some things to do to prepare the oil for disposal.
- Before pouring the oil into a non-metallic container with a lid, let it sit and cool completely. Make sure your waste disposal company accepts take-out containers. If they do, the oil and the container can be dumped into the disposal bin.
- Decant the oil into a tin or coffee mug and place the container in the freezer or refrigerator. This will cause the oil to solidify quicker. When it has hardened, remove the container, scoop out the oil, and throw it into the disposal bin. Use a napkin or paper towel to wipe the mug before washing it.
- Pour the oil into a partially filled trash bag after cooling completely. Absorbentmaterials in the trash bag, like paper towels and food scraps, will help to soak up the oil and keep it from leaking.
- Mix the oil with absorbent materials like cat litter, sawdust or sand,and then discard it.
- If you love to deep fry often, invest in a Fat Trapper system. It is a plastic receptacle that holds bags that are lined with foil where you can pour used oil. When it is full, seal it and throw it in the disposal bin. One bag usually hoods 32 ounces of used oil.
You can also recycle the cooking oil
Check your city to see if there’s a waste disposal program that collects used oil for recycling into biodiesel.