[dam-video dam-id=”34349″] From finger-licking fried chicken to deep-fried treats inspired by summer fairs, cooking fried foods can leave a lot of oil behind once youre finished in the kitchen. Before you toss that oil in the trash or let it drain down your sink, youll want to read these disposal options that are safe for the environment and your kitchen. An oil spray bottle can enhance your healthy cooking game and add mouth-watering crispiness to your favorite dishes. This one is Amazons favorite.
Frying a turkey for Thanksgiving or other holidays is a popular cooking method that results in a moist, flavorful bird with crispy skin. However once the cooking is done, you’re left with several gallons of used oil that needs to be disposed of properly. Simply pouring it down the drain or tossing it in the trash can cause environmental harm and clog pipes. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the safest and most eco-friendly ways to dispose of turkey fryer oil after holiday cooking.
Why Proper Disposal is Important
Fresh turkey fryer oil contains no contaminants that would make it unsafe. However, once heated and used for cooking, chemical changes occur that make reusing it over and over inadvisable. As the oil breaks down, potential carcinogens form that can be dangerous if consumed. Pouring large quantities of used oil down your pipes can also allow it to accumulate and harden, leading to clogged drains. For these reasons, you should never reuse turkey fryer oil after the initial use and proper disposal is essential.
Allow the Oil to Cool Completely
Before disposal, it’s crucial to allow the large volume of hot oil to cool down fully. This makes transport much safer by preventing spills or burns. Waiting overnight is ideal, giving the oil time to cool to room temperature. Attempting to quickly cool it with water is not recommended as this can cause splattering. Never dispose of hot oil.
Strain Out Food Debris
Once cooled, the oil should be carefully strained through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove all food particles. Small bits of fried turkey skin or batter can clog pipes or interfere with recycling processes if not filtered out beforehand. Work slowly to minimize spills.
Choose the Best Disposal Method
There are several recommended methods for disposing of used turkey fryer oil The options include
- Recycling
- Putting in the trash
- Composting
- Curbside pickup
Recycling is the ideal option as the oil gets re-purposed, often into biofuel. However, this only works if there is a facility near you that accepts waste oil from households. If not recycling, the next best method is disposal in your regular trash. Composting works for small amounts of oil, while curbside pickup is weather-dependent.
Recycling the Oil
Recycling used cooking oil is the most earth-friendly disposal method. Check online or call your municipal recycling program to find out if there is a drop-off location nearby. You’ll need a sturdy container with a tight fitting lid, like a large jug or jar. Make sure to label it as “used cooking oil.” Transport it safely in your trunk and turn it in on the facility’s next collection day. The oil gets converted into biodiesel, animal feed, or other products. This stops it from contaminating landfills or polluting waterways.
Putting Oil in the Trash
If recycling is not feasible in your area, putting the oil in your regular curbside trash is the next best option. Here are tips for proper disposal via the trash:
- Allow oil to cool and solidify somewhat after straining – this takes hours
- Mix the oil with an absorbent material like cat litter or coffee grounds. About 2 cups of absorbent per gallon of oil.
- Place the mixture in a sealable container or double bag it.
- Put the sealed oil in your regular household trash bins.
- Never dump oil or oil mixtures directly into dumpsters.
Absorbent material is key as this prevents leaks from garbage bags. Avoid containers that could break and cause spills before reaching the landfill.
Composting Limited Oil Amounts
Composting is not ideal for large volumes of oil. However, it can work for disposing of the small amounts leftover after straining if done carefully. Here are tips:
- Mix cooled oil with large amounts of dry leaves or paper.
- Bury the mixture in the center of your compost bin.
- Monitor your compost closely for odor problems or pests.
- Don’t add additional oil if compost has issues breaking down.
Never put oil down drains or into compost tumblers – stick to well-aerated and maintained outdoor bins for small amounts. Monitor closely and adjust as needed.
Curbside Pickup Considerations
Some municipalities offer special curbside collections for household hazardous wastes like cooking oil. This pickup service isweather-dependent in many areas. If available in your region, follow these tips:
- Check dates and schedule a pickup while oil is still solid.
- Double bag or absorb oil to prevent leaks.
- Label container as “used cooking oil.”
- Place securely curbside on scheduled date.
This disposal method is convenient but not always available year-round in all areas.
Choosing the Best Method
Consider what disposal options are accessible in your region and best suited to the volume of used turkey fryer oil you need to get rid of. For up to 5 gallons or so, recycling is great if available. Otherwise go with the trash method. For larger amounts around 10 gallons, you may need to divide between trash and recycling. Curbside pickup works best for smaller quantities of fully solidified oil.
Safe Handling Tips
Here are some additional tips for safe handling and transportation when disposing of turkey fryer oil:
- Wear gloves to avoid skin contact.
- Place lid securely to prevent leaks and spills.
- Label container so content is clear.
- Transport in trunk of car to contain potential spills.
- Wash hands and any clothes that contact oil thoroughly after.
Take care when handling used oil and wash anything it contacts, including reusable funnels or strainers, to avoid spreading contamination.
What NOT to Do
There are several unsafe disposal methods to absolutely avoid:
- Do NOT pour oil down any drain.
- Do NOT dump into a storm drain or waterway.
- Do NOT put oil in the garden or compost unless certain precautions are followed.
- Do NOT reuse the oil – it becomes more toxic after one use.
- Do NOT use plastic bags for transport – they leak.
Any amount of oil that ends up in sewers, plumbing, or the environment can cause major damage over time. Avoid these disposal methods at all costs.
Disposal Tips for Other Oils
The disposal guidelines covered here also apply to other types of used cooking oil like fryer oil. The general rules are:
- Allow to fully cool after use before handling.
- Strain out all food particles with sieve/cheesecloth.
- Determine best disposal method available in your area.
- Handle oils carefully and label containers for transport.
- Never pour down drains or onto the ground.
Following safe practices keeps oil out of plumbing and the environment. For any amount of waste frying oil, proper disposal is key.
Recap of Oil Disposal Best Practices
To safely and sustainably dispose of turkey fryer oil, follow these key steps:
- Let oil fully cool after use
- Strain out all food debris thoroughly
- Identify your best disposal option and have needed supplies
- Handle oil carefully, wear gloves, label containers
- Use sealed containers strong enough to prevent leaks
- Absorb or solidify oil before putting in trash
- Recycle oil if a facility is accessible to you
Taking the time to properly dispose of turkey fryer and other waste oils makes a big difference in keeping pipes clear, the environment protected, and your local landfills and water sources free of contamination. Follow these tips to be a responsible home cook and community member when it comes to getting rid of used oil after holiday or everyday cooking.
How to Dispose of Cooking OilBefore you begin to consider disposal options, check with your local waste department to see if they have any guidelines or protocols for getting rid of cooking grease. Some areas have places where you can recycle leftover oil, so check with
- The container method: One way to safely toss oil is pouring the cooled liquid into a disposable container (think old sour cream or cottage cheese containers) and sealing it shut. You can then simply throw the container away.
- The freezer method: You can also pour leftover oil into an old can and place it in the freezer until its hardened. Once the oil is firm, you should scoop it out and into the trash with a spoon. If youre using smaller amounts of oil you can also allow the oil to harden in a coffee mug, scoop into the trash and then wash the mug as usual.
- The plastic bag method: Finally, you can always toss cooled oil into a plastic trash bag, provided it already has some debris inside. Old paper towels, veggie peels and more can help soak up some of the grease so you dont have such a mess.
Whichever method you choose, dont ever attempt to toss oil while its still hot—this can be dangerous! Also, you should never pour oil down the drain or toilet. Oil has the potential to clog your drains and damage your pipes, which can leave you with a nasty mess and a big repair bill.
How to dispose turkey fryer oil |Part 1
FAQ
How to dispose of oil after deep frying turkey?
How to dispose of cooking oil from a deep fryer?
How do you dispose of leftover turkey grease?
How do you dispose of cooking oil?
Transfer cooking oil to a disposable container with a lid. This can be a cooking oil bottle, plastic milk jug or carton, coffee can, or a purchased grease disposal container. Seal the container and place in your household garbage. Note: Our Test Kitchen does not recommend using plastic bags, as they can easily spring a leak.
How do you dispose of oil if frying a Turkey?
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.
How do you dispose of oil in a frying pan?
If you want to get rid of the oil, let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a nonrecyclable container with a lid and throw it in the garbage. Common nonrecyclable containers that work well include cardboard milk cartons and similar wax- or plastic-lined paper containers. Styrofoam and other takeout containers are also good options.
How do you dispose of hot oil?
Hot oil can be dangerous, and it’s not worth risking a burn. If you’re disposing of the oil, pour it into a sealable container (such as a plastic take-out container, the bottle the oil came in or an empty milk jug). Discard it in your food waste bin.