How to Dispose of Deep Fryer Oil? A Complete Guide

how to dispose of deep fryer oil

If you’ve spent serious time in the kitchen preparing food for the household, then you have to know how to properly dispose of deep fryer oil.

Deep frying foods in oil is always a rather tasty way of preparing food. It’s just that you end up with a great deal of used oil afterwards. Now what?

Reusing the Oil

If it’s the first time you used those particular bits of oil, then it’s possible for you to reuse it. You can use a coffee filter to strain the oil to get rid of any crumbs or food particles.

A few layers of cheesecloth can work too. After that, you have to put it in an airtight container and then store it in a dark cabinet.

But you can only use this oil once more, or perhaps even twice more. Check it first by taking a whiff of it. Just get rid of the ting if it smells rancid. If it still smells okay, then you can still use it.

Do keep in mind that it will have a lower temperature in which the oil burns (aka the “smoke point”). The oil simply deteriorates when you reuse it, which is why you can’t do it again and again.

Getting Rid of the Oil

If the oil has gone bad, then it’s time to get rid of it. You can’t just dump it down the kitchen sink, however. You have to do it properly.

You may want to consult with your community solid waste department of they have any suggestions as to what you should do with your used oil.

You can even check if there are local recycling departments or organizations in your neighborhood.

If they have none, then here are our suggestions. Here are some ways you can dispose of that used oil correctly.

  1. Once the oil has completely cooled, put it in a non-recyclable container with a lid. You can use containers like takeout containers, cardboard milk cartons, and other similar containers lined with plastic or wax.
  2. Put the oil inside an old can, and then harden the oil in the freezer or refrigerator. Just throw the oil away once it’s solid enough to come out of the can in one piece.
  3. Another way it to let the oil completely cool and then put it in a trash bag that’s partially filled already. The other materials in the trash bag can absorb some of the oil so you don’t have the oil pooling at the bottom.
  4. You can also throw away the oil after you’ve mixed it with sand, sawdust, or cat litter.

Final Tips:

Whichever method you pick, here are some more tips to keep in mind:

  • Never pour hot oil into the trash.
  • Never mix the oil with compost when you get rid of it.
  • Never pour the oil down your toilet or kitchen drain. It will clog up your pipes, and it can also clog up the city sewers.

Pick a method and remember these tips, and you should be able to get rid of your used oil properly.

June Brandt
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