
How to Dispose of Kitchen Grease & Cooking Oil Safely
CATEGORIES
- Blog
- 20 - 01 - 2025
- By Jude Saad

Are you one of the people who unknowingly throw away old cooking oil and kitchen grease through the drain? It seems safe to dispose of oil this way, but do you know that this practice can lead to serious plumbing issues and environmental damage?
Improper cooking oil disposal can clog your drains and cause problems over time. Many also do not realise that whatever they pour down the drain eventually results in spillways and canals, polluting the environment. Also, clogged drains can cause expensive repairs, damaging not just your kitchen drainage but the rest of your plumbing!
This guide will help you safely dispose of cooking oil and kitchen grease. You will learn the dangers of this practice and practical tips on properly disposing of oil and grease at home.
The Dangers of Pouring Cooking Grease and Oil Down the Drain
Carelessly pouring old oil into the drain leads to serious issues. Every homeowner should understand the potential damage of oil and grease to plumbing and the corresponding effects on the environment.
Plumbing Problems
When grease is poured down the drain, it solidifies as it cools and sticks to the inner surfaces of pipes. These solids clog the drain, blocking water from leaving your home. Over time, the buildup can lead to various costly plumbing issues.
- Slow drainage: A grease that builds up inside the pipes partially blocks the movement of wastewater, causing drains to empty slowly.
- Complete blockage: Grease that accumulates eventually blocks drainage pipes entirely, leading to backed-up water and possible flooding.
- Foul smells: Standing water and decaying oil, grease, and food particles create unpleasant odours.
- Expensive plumbing costs: Removing blockages requires professional help and costly repairs.
- Corroded pipes: Grease can eventually corrode pipes and damage them. You may need to replace your drainage pipes completely.
Environmental Impact
Improper kitchen oil disposal can seriously impact the environment as this ends in waterways and canals.
- Water contamination: Grease and oil clog storm drains and reach rivers, lakes, and oceans, polluting natural water sources.
- Harmful to marine life: Grease creates a layer on the water surface that blocks oxygen, harming fish and other aquatic life.
- Soil degradation: Grease also enters the soil, affecting soil health and damaging plant life.
- Long-lasting pollution: Grease persists in the environment for long periods, which causes ecological damage.
Safe and Effective Methods for Disposing of Cooking Oil and Grease
Cooking oil and grease must be disposed of safely to avoid serious consequences in your home and the environment.
Recycling and Reusing Cooking Oil
Recycling and reusing cooking oil can reduce waste and minimise environmental effects. Here are ways to do it:
- Collect used oil in a sturdy and sealable container for easy transport. Make sure that this container won’t leak or break during transport.
- Take collected oil to recycling centres. Call early to ensure that they take this kind of waste.
- Repurpose used cooking oil into biodiesel, an eco-friendly fuel alternative.
- Use old oil and grease in non-food applications like lubrication, cleaning or making homemade soaps. You can take used oil in businesses that accept this material for recycling.
- Do not mix oil with other waste. Separate this to ensure proper recycling.
- You can place used oil in your compost bin but only in small amounts. Large amounts of used oil and grease must be taken to recycling centres.
Disposal in the Trash
Dispose of used cooking oil and grease in the trash by first allowing the oil to cool completely. Pour it into a sealable container, such as a glass jar or plastic bottle. You may now place it in regular trash, but make sure it won’t spill during disposal.
Using Grease Traps
Grease traps prevent excess grease and oil from entering the plumbing system. These devices capture fats, oils, and grease from wastewater, allowing only water to flow through the drainage pipes.
Professional Disposal Services
Link Plumbing provides professional services to help manage effective grease and oil disposal. We specialise in resolving blocked drains, maintaining your plumbing system, and providing expert advice on preventing grease-caused issues. We have reliable solutions to protect your pipes and ensure proper grease and oil disposal without harming the environment.
Common Mistakes People Make When Disposing of Cooking Oil
Proper cooking oil disposal can help you dodge countless issues and save money in the long run. Avoid these common disposal mistakes.
Pouring Oil Directly Into the Sink
Putting used oil or grease directly into the sink drain damages your pipes as these materials can solidify and clog pipes. Over time, your pipes will narrow, and drainage water will return to your home, causing flooding and foul smells.
Using Paper Towels or Other Materials
Another incorrect way to throw away grease and oil is to put grease-soaked towels or napkins in the toilet or trash. Again, these cause blockages, which clog plumbing and lead to costly repairs. Meanwhile, paper towels with grease also end up in landfills, polluting the soil and the environment.
Not Using Proper Containers
Not placing used oil in spill-proof and leak-proof containers upon disposal can cause spills and environmental damage. Simply pouring it into the drain harms your plumbing and leads to serious issues over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do with used cooking oil?
Used cooking oil should be placed inside a spill-proof container with a lid and dropped off at a recycling centre that accepts used oil.
2. Can I reuse cooking oil after frying?
You can reuse it in non-food applications like lubricating metal joints, hardware, tools, and soap-making.
3. How often should I clean my grease trap?
Grease traps must be cleaned at least every one to three months. Check local water authority regulations for details.
4. Why can’t I pour cooking grease down the drain?
Cooking grease can solidify and clog pipes, causing leaks, flooding, and other serious and costly plumbing issues.
5. Can I dispose of oil in my compost bin?
You can dispose of small amounts of plant-based oil in your compost bin. Large amounts should be placed in a jar or container with a cover and taken to a recycling centre that accepts used cooking oil.
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