You shouldn't pour cooking oil down the drain – here's what to do instead

It's a simple fact that some foods taste better when they’re fried. But have you ever wondered what happens when you pour leftover cooking oil down your kitchen drain?

I’ve been trying to cut down on fried foods lately, partly because I’m compelling myself to make better choices and partly because my kitchen extractor fan isn’t the best. It can be difficult to clean kitchen grease each day or explain to visitors why my house often smells like yesterday’s dinner.

Using an air fryer has helped, but sometimes, foods are better when cooked with
a generous glug of oil. However, once I’ve finished my perfectly fried food, I’m confronted with the leftover oil and the decision of how best to dispose of it. If you’re ever finding yourself in the same situation, here are some answers to some questions you probably have:

Can I pour cooking oil down my drain?

Generally, it’s best not to pour cooking oil down the drain. If you pour large amounts of oil into your drain or garbage disposal, there’s a chance it can cool and then solidify, which can cause blockages. Fortunately, there are a few other ways to dispose of your used oil easily.

What’s the easiest way to dispose of old cooking oil?

For quick and easy disposal, you can turn the oil into a solid by mixing it with absorbent materials such as paper towels, sawdust, or cat litter. This solid can then be easily disposed of in your household trash.

Is it bad to throw cooking oil in the trash?

Environmentally, there isn’t a great difference between any disposal method for cooking oil. If you’re throwing it in the trash, you’ll want to turn the liquid into a solid, and using a method such as fresh paper towels for this can be wasteful.

Instead, once you’re done with your pan and the old oil, wait for it all to cool and place it in the fridge. The cooling will solidify the oil so you can scrape it straight into the bin, without needing to waste any paper towels.

Can I recycle old cooking oil?

Many states have recycling schemes set up specifically for cooking oil. Most of these are through drop-off points, but some schemes will be able to come to you to collect it. All you’ll need to do is allow it to cool, strain out large food particles, and deliver it in a clean and sealable container.

Many of these schemes can convert used oil into biodiesel, which can then be reused as a renewable energy source. WIn, win!

Is used cooking oil compostable?

Your used oil can be composted, but only in small quantities, as larger volumes can create odors and attract pests. To help speed up the process, it’s best to mix it with other compostable materials such as leaves, grass cuttings, or leftover food scraps.

I’m a big advocate for recycling your used cooking oil where you can in order to reduce waste, but all of these methods will allow you to safely dispose of your used oil in a safe and environmentally friendly way.