Leftover grease and oil can be a pain to deal with. They have the tendency to attract dust, hair particles,
animal hair, or even someone else’s finger if you don’t dispose of it properly. Not only are these kitchen
hazards, but they also take up valuable space in your fridge and contribute to the need for frequent cleaning. But don’t worry, there is a solution for you. Below are ways to deal with your left over grease and oil so that you don’t have to worry about it clogging your kitchen drain.
1. Store in the freezer
If you don’t have a drawer available in your fridge, you can use a plastic bag to store your grease and oil. While it may be tempting to just put it in a bowl and stick it in the freezer, this method won’t make your life easier when you pull it out later. The grease will probably have frozen solid by then and you will have to thaw it before you can dispose of it. If a bowl isn’t an option for storing, pour your grease and oil into ice cube trays for easier storage and handling later.
2. Dispose of grease and oil wisely
Once you have your grease and oil stored, you need to determine how to get rid of it. This is something that you will have to figure out for yourself depending on what is available in your area. Many cities and
counties will have a disposal day, where household trash must be taken to a drop off location and not just put curbside. These events are advertised so make sure you know when the next one is happening so that you can properly dispose of your food fats.
3. Recycle your grease and oil
If no disposal facility is nearby, you can put your leftover grease and oil in the garbage. Alternatively, you
can make a donation to a charitable organization that recycles or composts waste. You may even be able to sell your grease and oil at a second hand store or through an online greasy item exchange site.
4. Use grease and oil as a disinfectant
You can use your leftover grease in this way as well. If grease gets into your drains, you will only have to
run it under hot water for a few minutes to get rid of the odor. If the grease clogs your kitchen drain, you will have to follow a similar process with hot water and detergent in addition to running it under water and letting the hot water loosen any debris that has built up.
5. Use grease and oil as a fuel
If you are using the last of your cooking oil or grease for fuel in an outdoor grill, you can use it for this
purpose instead of putting it down the drain or gas tank for disposal. If you don’t have any leftover oil, you can pour it over a fire hazard such as a pile of leaves or branches. In this way, the fat is broken down in the fire and burns more effectively by attracting more oxygen.
Conclusion
While you have the option of disposing of oil or grease in the garbage, it is better for the environment to
recycle it. Just remember to follow proper safety procedures when burning your excess oil or grease.