How do I discard old cooking oil at home?

Let it cool, pour it into a sealable container or soak it up with paper towels, and put it in the trash. Never pour it down the drain.

Can you pour cooking oil down the drain?

No — it congeals and clogs your pipes and the sewer. Contain it and trash it, or take larger amounts to an oil-recycling drop-off.

Where can I recycle used cooking oil?

At used-cooking-oil collection sites — many cities, fire stations, and recycling centers accept it (often around the holidays) to turn into biodiesel.

How to dispose of cooking oil?

🗑️ LandfillNever down the drain — cool it, contain it, then trash or recycle it.

Used cooking oil clogs pipes and sewers, so it must never go down the sink or toilet. Small amounts go in the trash once solidified; larger amounts can be taken to a used-cooking-oil recycling drop-off (it's turned into biodiesel).

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Small amounts

Let the oil cool completely. Pour it into a sealable non-recyclable container (an old jar or the original bottle), or soak it up with paper towels, and put it in the black trash cart. You can also freeze/solidify it first to make it less messy.

Large amounts (a fryer's worth)

Many cities, fire stations, and recycling centers host used-cooking-oil collection — especially around Thanksgiving. Search "used cooking oil recycling near me." Some restaurants will also let you add to their grease bin.

Don't

Don't pour it in the yard, down a storm drain, or into the green compost cart in any quantity — it attracts pests and contaminates organics.

Cooking Oil — quick FAQ

How do I discard old cooking oil at home?: Let it cool, pour it into a sealable container or soak it up with paper towels, and put it in the trash. Never pour it down the drain.
Can you pour cooking oil down the drain?: No — it congeals and clogs your pipes and the sewer. Contain it and trash it, or take larger amounts to an oil-recycling drop-off.
Where can I recycle used cooking oil?: At used-cooking-oil collection sites — many cities, fire stations, and recycling centers accept it (often around the holidays) to turn into biodiesel.

How to dispose of cooking oil?

Small amounts

Large amounts (a fryer's worth)

Don't

Cooking Oil — quick FAQ

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