Do you like to eat fried foods? If so, chances are you are already used to cooking using large amounts of cooking oil. Although oil can be reused, not everyone wants to do it for health reasons. As a result, the remaining oil must be disposed of properly so as not to pollute the environment or clog the drain hole in the sink. The trick, cool the oil first, then pour it into a closed container before throwing it in the trash. If you are reluctant to throw away the oil or want to donate it so that it can be reprocessed, keep pouring the oil into a closed container first. Most importantly, don't throw oil down the sink so it doesn't clog the drain!
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Method 1 of 3: Throwing Oil in the Trash
Step 1. Cool the oil before pouring it into another container
To avoid burning your skin, make sure the oil has cooled completely before throwing it away or pouring it into another container for later reuse. Remember, never lift a frying pan filled with hot oil with your bare hands or pour very hot oil into the trash. Although it really depends on the amount of oil in the pan, you will most likely need to let it sit for a few hours until it cools completely.
- If necessary, let the oil sit overnight until it cools completely.
- If there isn't too much oil left on the pan, simply wipe off the oil with a paper towel after it's cooled.
Step 2. Choose a container that comes with a lid and doesn't break easily
If you want to reuse the oil, make sure you pour it into a clean container. However, don't use glass containers that can shatter if exposed to hot oil! Instead, use a plastic container with a lid, such as an old jam can. Do not forget to label the container with a description of its contents, so that others do not accidentally use the oil.
If you don't want to reuse the oil or donate it, try pouring it into a soda can with the lid off
Step 3. Dispose of the container containing used cooking oil in the trash
Tightly cover the container containing used cooking oil, then immediately throw it in the trash. Make sure the oil doesn't go straight into the trash so it doesn't dirty the floor and/or attract the attention of rodents in your home.
Step 4. Freeze the oil before throwing it in the trash
If you don't have a closed container, feel free to pour the oil into any container and freeze it in the freezer for a few hours. Once the texture of the oil has hardened, use a spoon to scoop it up and throw it straight into the trash.
If you want, you can also pour oil into the cup. Later, the cup only needs to be washed in soapy water after the oil has been removed
Step 5. Pour the cooled oil into the trash bag
Take a trash bag that's partially filled with trash, such as a trash bag filled with used towels, vegetable scraps that you no longer use, or paper towels, and pour the cooled oil inside. Tie or close the bag tightly and throw it in the trash immediately.
Step 6. Never pour used cooking oil into the sink
Trust me, sooner or later this behavior can line the drain pipe and clog it, even if the oil has been diluted with soap or water.
Blockages in the pipes can cause water that comes out of the faucet to flood the kitchen floor and cause “sewage backup”, or a condition where wastewater moves in the wrong direction in the sewage system. Therefore, never throw oil in the sink
Step 7. Keep the used cooking oil out of the compost
Do not throw oil that was previously used for frying animal products onto the compost surface, whether placed on the side of the road or in your yard. When it comes to compost, used cooking oil can attract rodents, block air circulation in the compost heap, and slow down the composting process.
Method 2 of 3: Using Oil Back
Step 1. Store the oil in an airtight container and place the container at room temperature
If you want to collect a large amount of used cooking oil before using it again, don't forget to pour the oil into an airtight container. Place the container on the kitchen counter until it's time to use it again.
Step 2. Strain the oil through a coffee filter before reusing it
Place the coffee filter over the container, then secure the edges with rubber. Slowly pour the oil through a sieve into the container until it separates from the pulp.
Food particles remaining in the oil can make it go stale and moldy faster
Step 3. Reuse the oil to fry more food
Basically, the oil can be reused to fry the same food, mainly because the taste and aroma of the food has been absorbed into the oil. For example, if the oil was previously used to fry chicken, don't reuse it for frying donuts. If you've previously used oil to fry flour-coated foods, you'll likely have a hard time neutralizing the aroma of the oil and filtering out any flour flakes that are left in the oil pan.
One type of food that can make the taste of oil remain neutral is vegetables. Therefore, feel free to reuse the oil that you previously used to fry the vegetables
Step 4. Do not use the oil more than twice
Oil that has been filtered and stored properly can actually be reused several times. However, make sure you don't use cooking oil that is opaque, foamy, or has a strong smell. Don't mix different types of oil, either, and discard oil that has been used once or twice.
Remember, the smoke point of the oil will decrease after more than 2 uses. As a result, the oil is easier to burn. In addition, oil that is used too often is also at risk of releasing large amounts of free radicals, as well as trans fatty acids that are at risk of endangering your health
Method 3 of 3: Recycling Oil
Step 1. Contact your city or county government for information about an oil recycling program
Try calling your local government office or browsing their website for information about the program. In addition to government organizations, you may also be able to donate used cooking oil to the nearest waste bank or fire station.
Usually, organizations that serve used cooking oil recycling provide oil collection services to donor homes. Try contacting the organization you are interested in to find out the schedule
Step 2. Donate your cooking oil
Currently, several NGOs in Indonesia are holding cooking oil donation programs, both with the aim of being recycled or to be distributed to various social activities. In particular, there are quite a number of organizations or companies that recycle used cooking oil into car fuel or business fuel. If you are interested in recycling your used cooking oil, try browsing the internet to find a recycling center or an NGO willing to accept the donation.
In some countries, people who donate cooking oil can get a tax deduction
Step 3. Recycle any type of oil
Most recyclers are willing to accept any type of oil to be reprocessed into biodiesel. However, keep in touch with the recyclers you are interested in to check their needs before shipping the oil, and make sure the oil you donate doesn't mix with other liquids.
Some recycling places provide special containers to hold used cooking oil. Later, the oil you bring can be directly poured into the container for recycling
Step 4. Store the oil in a closed container until it is time for recycling
Pour the cooled oil into a closed container. If possible, choose a sturdy and unbreakable container, such as one made of plastic. Place the container at room temperature until you have time to take it to the recycling bin or place it in front of your house so that the person can pick it up from the nearest recycling bin.
