The Safe and Eco-Friendly Guide to Disposing of Turkey Fryer Oil

Deep frying your Thanksgiving turkey is a delicious way to prepare your bird. When done properly the meat stays nice and juicy while the outside crisps to perfection. Deep fried turkey dates back as far as the 1930’s. However, it didn’t really take off until the late 80’s. Since then it has gained in popularity, with celebrities and world class chefs documenting their endeavors. With that being said, we are particularly concerned about the aftereffects of deep frying your turkey, namely how you dispose of the oil. Here are some safe ways to dispose of oil.

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Fried turkey has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition for many families across the country. There’s nothing quite like that crispy, golden brown exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. However, once the feast is over, you’re left with a big vat of used oil. Like any cooking oil, it can go rancid if not disposed of properly. It’s crucial to know the right way to get rid of turkey fryer oil to avoid clogged drains, rancid smells, and environmental contamination.

When dealing with large quantities of hot oil, safety should always come first. Here is a step-by-step guide to disposing of oil after deep frying a turkey the safe, eco-friendly way:

Step 1: Allow the Oil to Cool Completely

Never attempt to move or dispose of hot oil Heated oil can cause severe burns if it splashes you Allow the oil to cool down completely before doing anything else. This make take several hours. Resist the temptation to try shortcuts like putting the oil outside in cold temperatures – this can cause the pot to crack or shatter. Be patient and let the oil come to room temperature naturally.

Step 2: Strain and Filter the Oil

Once cooled, carefully pour the oil through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or paper filters. This will catch any food particles or impurities. Next, run the oil through a funnel lined with additional filters to further purify it. Try to remove as many solids as possible, as they can go rancid quickly. Straining also prevents clogs if reusing a portion of the oil.

Step 3: Store Oil in Sealable Containers

Pour the filtered oil into an airtight, non-breakable container. Glass jars or plastic jugs with screw-top lids work well. Make sure the container is heat resistant if saving some oil for future use. Seal it tightly to prevent leaks or rancid odors. Label the container with the type and date of the oil. Store it in a cool, dark place until ready to dispose of or reuse.

Step 4: Dispose of the Oil Responsibly

Now comes the decision of whether to reuse, recycle or toss the oil. Here are some eco-friendly options:

Reuse in Moderation: Oil can typically be reused 1-3 times for frying if strained well between uses. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage before reusing. Discard at the first hint of rancidity.
Recycle for Biodiesel Some cities have collection programs that convert waste oil into biodiesel fuel Check with your local waste management agency.
Tallow for Birds: Oil can be left outside in cold weather to turn solid for birds to eat during winter. Ensure it has cooled to a safe temperature first.
Trash Pickup: Place sealed oil containers in the regular trash for pick up. Never pour oil directly into a drain or sewer system.
Waste Oil Collection: Some auto parts stores accept used cooking oil for recycling. Call ahead to find locations nearby.
Compost in Small Amounts: Adding a bit of oil can enrich a compost pile. But too much can harm beneficial microbes, so use sparingly.

Step 5: Clean the Fryer Pot Thoroughly

Before storing your turkey fryer for next year, be sure to clean it thoroughly with hot, soapy water to remove any residual oil or bits of food. Rinse well and allow to air dry completely before putting away, to prevent rancid oil or bacteria growth.

Frying a turkey may be a beloved tradition, but it does produce a good quantity of waste oil. With some planning and care, you can keep your family safe while disposing of it in an eco-friendly manner. Follow these basic tips for hassle-free turkey fryer oil disposal year after year.

Here are some additional handy tips for handling turkey fryer oil:

Wear protective gloves and eye wear when filtering hot oil. Caution is key to avoiding burns.
Allow oil to cool before transporting or storing to prevent cracked containers.
Check for oil recycling centers in your community year-round. Stockpile oil until you have enough to make a trip.
Add citrus peels or rosemary to oil after straining to help retard spoilage during storage.
Keep waste oil in the garage or shed if possible to prevent rancid smells in the house.
Monitor oil closely for signs of spoilage like dark color, thick texture, or foul odor. When in doubt, throw it out!
Never pour oil directly into sinks, toilets or street drains, as it can clog pipes and contaminate waterways.
Avoid pouring fryer oil into compost piles during warmer months when it is more likely to go rancid quickly.
Consider lower waste alternatives like roasting or grilling turkey outside next year. Every bit helps our environment!

With proper handling, you can enjoy the delicious crispy turkey skin you love without harming the environment. Follow these tips to be kind to both your family and the planet this holiday season.

what to do with oil after frying turkey

Keep The Oil Out Of Your Drains

First things first, PLEASE, don’t pour oil down the drain. When oil, grease, and other fats get poured down the drain, it causes all kinds of plumbing problems. The oil coats the inside walls of your pipes and eventually hardens. At which point it can start to collect other debris that end up down the drain like: hair, dental floss, cotton swabs, food particles, and other debris. Once this happens it forms a monster clog. This creates a huge nuisance not to mention a nasty mess. If by chance the oil makes it past your system, and into the sewer system it can solidify with other grease and debris and from what is known as a fat berg. Fatbergs have been terrorizing sewage systems in major cities around the world. They cause a whole bunch of plumbing problems for city dwellers and are extremely cumbersome to get rid of. So, do yourself, and your city a favor and never pour oil, grease, or fat down the drain.

Safe Ways To Dispose Of Oil

When it is time to dispose of oil, the first thing you need to think about is safety. Frying oil typically reaches temperatures of 375 °F to 400 °F. This poses a huge safety concern, and burns can easily happen if you are not careful. So when you go to dispose of oil, please let it completely cool down first before your try to dispose of it. If you are throwing oil away, let it cool down to a safe temperature. Once it is cool, you can pour it into a disposable container. Milk cartons or take out food containers make excellent vessels for oil. Then through the container into the trash can. Some people like to freeze it fist, so that it completely solidified. This helps prevent a mess. When frying a turkey, you need a lot of oil, 3-5 gallons. The best way to dispose of this much oil, is to recycle it. Many cities offer recycling service for oil, you can check with your local recycle center. To recycle to oil, wait until it has cooled to a safe temperature, then strain it into a sealed container.

The Easiest Way to Clean and Reuse Frying Oil

FAQ

How to dispose of oil after deep frying a turkey?

After it is cooled completely, use a funnel and pour the oil into a metal can or plastic container (empty milk carton, original oil bottle, etc.). Secure the lid and put the container in the trash.

What do you do with oil after deep frying?

If you don’t have recycling options near you, you could try calling your local fire department to see if used oil is accepted. If you’re out of luck, don’t throw used oil down the drain or toilet as it will cause all kinds of issues. Instead, seal your cooking oil container and dispose of it in the garbage.

Do you have to refrigerate used frying oil?

Store the used oil in a sealed and light-proof container for up to 3 months. For best quality, refrigerate used frying oil that you want to use again. If the oil is clouded or if the oil starts to foam or has a foul odor, taste, or smell, discard it.

Can You reuse oil for frying a Turkey?

Don’t let that deter you because you can reuse oil for frying. Under normal conditions, oil can be heated for up to six hours. A deep-fried turkey can cook in under an hour (three minutes per pound) so you can fry six items on six different occasions with a single batch of oil. The first step is choosing the right oil.

Can olive oil be used for deep frying?

Olive oil is not recommended for deep frying as it has a low smoke point. Oils with higher smoke points are recommended for frying, such as sunflower oil or blend.

What oil should I use for frying a Turkey?

You don’t have to worry about bacteria since it will be killed off when the oil heats up, but rancid oil should not be used. Good oils for frying turkeys include peanut oil, corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. Once you’ve finished cooking and let the oil cool down, you can prepare it for storage.

How do you store Turkey oil after frying?

Store the oil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve the quality of the oil. Peanut oil is a popular choice for frying turkey because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. However, after frying turkey, the oil can become contaminated with food particles and become rancid.