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What Do I Do with Oil from the Deep Fryer?
What Do I Do with Oil from the Deep Fryer?
French fries, deep-fried Oreos, chicken wings and onion rings – all favorite snack foods of the fried-food connoisseur. When you own a deep fryer, you don't have to wait for the annual state fair to treat yourself to these kinds of artery-clogging delicacies; you can simply enjoy them in the comfort of your own home.
However, owning a deep fryer brings with it the age-old question of what to do with the fryer oil once it's run its course. And just like your body’s arteries, cooking fats and oils can be bad for your drainpipes as it builds up on the pipe walls over time. Eventually, it can even cause a drain to backup if the pipes become clogged with fat – so you clearly don't want to just dump it down the drain. Here are some tips for oil waste collection so that you don't cause unnecessary strain on your drainage system and sewer:
Bottle it
First things first: You have to get your used cooking oil into an appropriate container for transport. Coffee cans, large glass jars or even used plastic milk cartons are all acceptable receptacles. If you're planning on taking it to a dumpster or recycling center, make sure the container has a lid. Make sure the oil is cooled off enough before handling it, as hot oil is dangerous to the touch. Then, providing your local ordinances allow you to dispose of cooking oil in the regular garbage, you can take your lidded container to the dumpster. The important thing to remember is that the oil should be in a leak-free jar.
Recycle it
In some areas, recycling plants allow you to turn in your used oil and cooking fats in order for it to be recycled and converted into biofuels. Call your local center or municipality offices to check and see if that is the case – and if it's possible, just take your bottled oil to them. They may require you to dump the oil in a large communal vat, so be sure it's in liquid form when you take it over.
If you have been pouring your deep fryer oil into the drain up until this point, or if you simply suspect that there could be a blockage somewhere in your plumbing system, it's a good idea to consult a professional plumber or drain technician. Call Roto-Rooter today for more information about how to dispose of your oil properly and to schedule an appointment with a plumbing expert!