Used cooking oil can wreak havoc on your plumbing, even if you’re connected to a municipal sewer system. If your house has a septic tank, those seemingly harmless drips of bacon grease or pools of vegetable oil can quickly add up and cause some serious damage. Taking a couple of minutes to dispose of used cooking oil properly will prevent unnecessary repairs and some disgusting messes.

How to Dispose of Cooking Oil Safely

Save It for Later

Depending on the type of oil you have and how often you fry food, cooking oil can be reused. Just strain it through a coffee filter to clear out crumbs, and put it in a sealed container. When stored in a cool, dark place, cooking oil should stay good for several days. However, if it smells odd when you take it out, throw it away and start over with fresh oil.

Disposal Options

If you have takeout containers or an empty milk carton around, let the oil cool completely and pour it in. After sealing the top, throw it away with the rest of the garbage. Or, you might prefer putting it in the freezer until it’s hardened, then scooping it into the trash. Small coffee cans are a good option for freezing and can be reused until the container is full.

Cat litter and other absorbent materials can help keep cooking oil out of the septic tank and off your floor. After emptying the litter box, pour the oil into the trash on top of the litter and discard it all at once.

For more than a quarter century, Gecko Enterprises has been Oahu’s first choice in septic tank installation and maintenance services. Whether you need emergency repairs or a whole new system, you can rely on their highly trained technicians to get it done right the first time, every time. To learn more about their services and request a quote, visit them online or call (808) 637-3240 today.