Ways to Properly Dispose of Cooking Oil

Read in EnglishAfter frying some potatoes or breading a fish, what can you do with the oil? Throw it down the drain, put it in a plastic bottle and throw it in the trash, or use it a couple more times? Although it may seem strange, the most recommended option is, ironically, the last one. But when the oil finally needs to be disposed of, you must be very careful in the way you do it to avoid harming the environment. Here’s how you can properly dispose of cooking oil. Why can't I pour oil down the drain?This is probably the simplest and logical solution since it's a liquid food. However, pouring cooking oil down the drain leads to several problems. On one hand, grease can build up on the walls of the pipes, causing clogs or, worse yet, the spread of bacteria. Another reason why you shouldn't pour oil down the drain is that the oil can harm wastewater. Just one liter of oil can contaminate thousands of liters of water. Why can't I throw oil in the trash?Some people, to avoid water contamination, store the oil in bags or plastic containers to throw it in the trash. At first, this may seem like an effective solution, as it somehow avoids the immediate contact of the oil with water. However, in the long run, the oil can spill and contaminate water or remain intact, contributing to the accumulation of trash and waste. What can I do with used cooking oil?Once you understand why you shouldn't pour oil down the drain or throw it in the trash, it's easier to opt for eco-friendly and effective solutions. Below are some ways to dispose of cooking oil.Reuse the oil. The first thing you should know is that oil can be reused a couple of times before disposal. Wait for it to cool down and use a strainer or coffee filter to remove food residues. Use it a couple more times, being careful not to mix the oil used for frying fish with meat or desserts, for example.Home recycling. Once the oil has gone through several heating processes, you can use the residues to make homemade candles. All you need is the used oil, wax, essential oil, and a candle wick. Remember that you should also filter the oil before making them.Specialized collection. Finally, the most professional option for disposing of used cooking oil is to use the service of companies that specialize in its collection. Likewise, some cities have special containers. Check if your municipality offers this service. You might have a used cooking oil container just around the corner.Recipes we recommend:Chicken Fingers with CheetosMarinated Chicken Wings Stuffed Battered Cactus Soy Chorizo Enmoladas