How to Properly Dispose of Used Cooking Oil?

When it comes to food, Cooking oil is the liquid gold that transforms meals from average to amazing. But once it’s used, cooking oil disposal becomes a critical step — both for safety and environmental responsibility.

While it may be tempting to pour used cooking oil down the drain, this can cause serious blockages when the oil cools and solidifies. That’s why it’s important to know how to dispose of cooking oil properly.

Responsible Methods for Used Cooking Oil Disposal

Whether you're dealing with a small splash or a pot full, here are smart and safe ways for how to get rid of used cooking oil at home.

Wipe It Down

When sautéing or stir frying, you may have a small amount of leftover cooking oil, but it's still important to dispose of it properly.

Wait for the oil to cool down completely. Once cooled, you can use paper towels to wipe up the small amount of grease on your cookware.

You can dispose of the paper towels with your regular garbage and clean your cookware like you normally would.

This quick used cooking oil disposal method is ideal for minimal mess and is safe for regular trash.

Pour in a One-use Container

You just deep fried a batch of crunchy deliciousness, and now you've got a pot full of oil to deal with.

If we’re talking about a large amount of used cooking oil, then it's especially important that it not be poured down the drain or toilet.

One way to dispose of it is to allow it to cool down and then transfer it to a container, like an old bottle or jar. Make sure you have a tight lid on the container before putting it in your garbage bin to prevent messy leaks.

While this method is tried and true, it has its drawbacks. You need a funnel or a very steady hand to avoid spilling oil all over your kitchen counter. Tossing away the oil in a cooking oil storage container is also a lost opportunity for that jar that could have had a more fulfilling life.

Dispose of it With Other Materials

Another option to dispose of your used cooking oil is to mix it with other absorbent materials. If you’re throwing away sawdust, sand, cat litter, and old clothes, you can let these materials soak up the oil. This reduces the risk of any leaks because you have a layer of padding for the oil.

If you are planning to go this route, make sure that the amount of oil you’re disposing of is proportional to the materials that absorb it, and that you leave some kitty litter for said kitty, otherwise you'll still have a messy task at hand.

Throwing Oil Outside

Pouring oil outdoors can attract pests, create odors, and damage local ecosystems. Avoid this cooking oil disposal mistake at all costs.

Better for the Environment

While the above methods work, they’re not always the greenest. Here are more sustainable options for disposing of used cooking oil.

So here are other recommendations on disposing of used oil that will get Mother Nature’s nod of approval.

Recycling Oil

Reusing oil might have its cons, but it would be a waste to throw away a gallon of oil after a single instance of deep-frying chicken wings.

You can strain the oil using a sieve and use it for your next frying session. Cooking oil may be safely used a few times, but if the oil has become foamy, dark, and has an odd smell, it is time to toss it.

Also keep in mind that oil can take on the flavor of the foods cooked in it, so you may not want to fry up today's doughnuts In yesterday's fish fry oil!

Using FryAway™

FryAway offers an innovative option to dispose of used cooking oil that is both safe and environmentally-friendly.

FryAway is a non-toxic and plant-based powder that magically transforms used cooking oil into solid organic waste in 3 easy steps. Simply Sprinkle, Cool down and Toss your used oil in the trash. It is a game-changer when it comes to cleaning up and getting rid of leftover cooking oil. 

FryAway makes indulging in fried foods a guiltless pleasure. Thanks to our innovative product, you can enjoy your golden fried delicacies knowing that mess-free cleanup is just a sprinkle away. 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to dispose of used cooking oil, you can enjoy your favorite fried treats without worrying about messy cleanups or environmental harm.

If you don’t want to reuse the oil, you can adopt any one of the methods suggested.

Of course, we're biased. FryAway is the best option — a cooking oil hardener that provides the most convenient and eco-friendly way to discard cooking oil so you can focus on the meal and not the mess.

FAQs

1. How do I dispose of unwanted cooking oil?

The easiest way to dispose of cooking oil is by solidifying it first. FryAway’s cooking oil solidifier turns liquid oil into solid waste, making used cooking oil disposal simple, mess-free, and safe for trash collection.

2. How do you get rid of excess oil after frying?

After frying, let the oil cool, then use FryAway to harden it. This cooking oil disposal method avoids clogging drains and keeps your kitchen clean—no need for special containers.

3. Can vegetable oil go down the drain?

No, pouring vegetable oil down the drain can clog pipes and harm the environment. FryAway helps you solidify oil so you can dispose of cooking oil in the trash the right way.

4. Can I pour vegetable oil on the ground?

Pouring oil on the ground is harmful to the soil and water. For eco-friendly used cooking oil disposal, use FryAway’s cooking oil solidifier and throw it away safely with your household waste.

5. How to properly dispose of oil after deep frying?

For proper cooking oil disposal after deep frying, let it cool, solidify it with FryAway, and then place the hardened oil in the trash. It’s simple, safe, and clean—no liquid mess.