Alexandra Ramirez
Many people use oil for cooking because it makes cooking easier and can help you prepare tasty, nutritious meals. Oil can also make it easier to clean pots and pans because it keeps food from sticking and burning. Whether you use it on a regular basis, or only occasionally, you may be wondering “What’s the best way to dispose of cooking oil?”
1. Avoid Certain Disposal Methods
There are some popular disposal methods that you should always try to avoid. Although many people do choose these options, they can cause unnecessary problems.
- Never pour your oil down the kitchen sink
- Never pour your oil down the toilet (it ends up in the same place as the sink drain)
If you use either of these methods, the oil will coat your pipes and coated pipes can easily become clogged pipes. If the oil hardens in the pipes, it can result in serious plumbing issues. The plumbing can back up, and you might end up with expensive repair bills.
- Never pour cooking oil outside. While you may assume the oil is harmless because it is a natural food, it can be harmful to the soil. Cooking oil can ruin compost, and can even kill plants.
2. Only Dispose of Cool Cooking Oil
You should not dispose of oil immediately after it comes off the stove. Start by placing the pan in a safe area and allow it to cool. For the sake of safety, allow the oil to cool for at least one hour. You do not want it to burn you or anyone else around.
3. Choose an Appropriate Container
The best container to use when disposing of cooking oil is a container with a tightly-fitting lid. Plastic is better than glass because it will not break. An empty peanut butter jar is one example of a great choice.
4. Dispose of the Oil Safely
Even when the oil is in a tightly-closed jar, this does not mean it can simply be tossed anywhere. If it is not handled with care, the jar or bottle can break. The oil can pour onto its surroundings.
The best approach is to start by wrapping the jar. You can use paper towels for this purpose. This will pad the jar, so it does not break.
After you have taken this step, place it carefully in your outdoor trash bin. You may need to check your local policies to make sure this does not violate any recycling laws in your community.
5. Consider Reusing the Cooking Oil
These steps make it easy to dispose of cooking oil safely, but you might want to consider reusing it instead. In most cases, oil does not have to be thrown away after it has been used. You can save time and money by using the oil again.
- Allow the oil to cool in the pan that you used for cooking.
- Carefully pour the cool oil into a container. The oil will stay fresh longer if you use a clean, dark-colored glass jar or bottle with a lid that fits tightly.
- Store it either in the refrigerator or a cool cupboard.
When stored correctly, the used cooking oil will stay fresh for at least 4 months. Some oils will last even longer. By saving your oil, you will always have some handy whenever you want to fry or deep-fry food.
It is not surprising that many people today prefer cooking with oil. It is much healthier than butter or grease, and it is much neater to use. It adds fewer calories to your meals, and it does not ruin the taste of your food.
Whether you want to dispose of the oil or save it for another time, you can do it safely. You will not need to worry about cooking oil causing any damage, or harming your health. What’s the best way to dispose of cooking oil? Whether you save it to use again in the future, or take these steps to safely dispose of it, it is entirely up to you. The choice makes it easy to use your favorite oil every time you prepare a meal at home.
