How to Dispose of Cooking Oil: Don't Pout it Down the Drain

Once you’re done frying, sautéing, or roasting a delicious meal, what do you do with the leftover grease? Pouring it down the drain might seem like an easy fix, but it can cause serious plumbing problems over time. No, it won't just wash away — there's a good chance it will coat the interior of your drainage pipes and lead to a serious clog.

Learning how to dispose of cooking oil properly helps keep your pipes clear and protects the environment. Here's what you need to know about discarding cooking oil.

Why You Should Never Pour Oil or Grease Down the Drain

Whether you're tossing bacon grease or leftover fryer oil down the drain, it's all the same. As oil and grease cools, it hardens, creating sticky buildups that trap food particles and debris.

Even small amounts add up. A little leftover oil from each meal might not seem like much, but consistently pouring grease down the drain can lead to a complete clog of your sewer line.

You might have heard the myth that hot water and dish soap can tackle grease, but that's just not true. Once it's cooled down, grease will be stuck in place until you have your drains cleaned.

Can You Pour Cooking Oil Down the Drain?

No matter what type of oil you use — olive oil, vegetable oil, bacon grease, or anything in between — none of it belongs in the sink. Here’s why:

• Oil and water don’t mix. Water won’t dissolve grease, so it sticks to pipes instead.
• Garbage disposals don’t help. They can grind up food, but grease just coats the disposal and pipes, making clogs worse.
• Sewer systems suffer. Cooking oil can contribute to fatbergs — massive grease clumps that block sewer systems and require costly removal efforts.

The Best Ways to Dispose of Cooking Oil

So, what's the best way to dispose of cooking oil if you can't throw it down the drain? Here are some of the safest ways to dispose of oil after frying.

1. Let It Cool and Throw It in the Trash

If you just have a small amount of oil left from everyday cooking, this is the easiest method. Let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a non-recyclable container like an old jar or a coffee can.

Seal the container and toss it in the trash.

2. Reuse or Recycle Cooking Oil

When you're deep frying meals, if the oil is still in good condition, strain out food particles and store it in a sealed container for reuse.

If it's not, some cities have recycling programs that accept used cooking oil for biodiesel production. Check with your local waste management service to see what your options are.

3. Absorb Small Amounts with Paper Towels

After you've used a pan for cooking, rather than rinsing it in the sink, consider wiping up excess oil with a paper towel first, then throwing it in the trash. This method works well for bacon grease and pan drippings.

4. Mix with Cat Litter or Coffee Grounds

If your oil is toast and you don't want to reuse it, then try pouring it into a container of cat litter or coffee grounds while it's still liquid. Once it's fully absorbed, throw it in the trash. This is a safe, eco-friendly disposal method and prevents a major spill from happening if your trash bag rips.

How to Solidify Cooking Oil for Safe Disposal

Cooking oil doesn't always solidify, making it hard to throw away without spilling. Learn how to solidify cooking oil so you don't make a mess:

• Refrigerate or freeze it. Cold temperatures speed up the solidification process, making it easier to scoop into the trash.
• Mix with cornstarch or flour. Stirring in a thickening agent turns liquid oil into a solid paste.
• Use commercial oil solidifiers. Some products are specifically designed to turn oil into a disposable solid.

Can You Throw Cooking Oil in the Trash?

Yes! Throwing cooking oil in the trash is perfectly safe as long as you do it correctly:

• Cool it first. Hot oil can melt plastic bags or cause leaks.
• Use a sealed container. Prevent spills by storing oil in a jar, can, or resealable plastic bag before tossing it.
• Don’t pour it loose. Liquid oil in the garbage creates a mess and attracts pests.

Maintaining Proper Cooking Oil Disposal

You have plenty of options to safely dispose of cooking oil, including throwing it in the trash, recycling it for later use, or just using a paper towel to absorb it. Whatever you do, never pour oil or grease down the drain. It might work at first, but after a few times, you'll face a clog that you'll need a plumber to fix.

If you need plumbing help, Roto-Rooter is here. Our plumbers can clear out whatever oil or grease is plaguing your drain pipes. Schedule your appointment today to prevent messy kitchen backups.