Cooking oil in the form of olive oil, vegetable oil or sunflower oil can be a tasty addition to your cooking. However, disposing of it can be more difficult. Read on to find out how to dispose of the oil safely and correctly.
What are the rules around cooking oil disposal in the UK?
There are no legal requirements with regards to disposing of cooking oil in the home but there is a push to educate people on how to deal with oils correctly.
Can you pour cooking oil down the sink?
No, cooking oil should not be poured down the sink. Even a small amount left over from cooking can cause problems in your home and to the environment because as it cools, it can solidify in pipes and drains.
It can also travel into waterways and cause problems with natural habitats as oil decreases oxygen levels in water. Furthermore, oil and grease can contribute to the buildup of ‘fat bergs’ the largest of which was found under Whitechapel in London and was 250 metres long.
CCTV drainage surveys Kingsbury can see if pipes have become blocked from grease or fat. Drain experts such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/drain-jetting/kingsbury/ can help with this procedure.
How can you dispose of oil correctly?
Before you dispose of any cooking oil, you need to let it cool and you can then place it in a suitable container with a lid. If it is the kind of oil that will solidify, you can let it harden in the fridge or freezer before removing it from the container and throwing it away. If it is an oil which stays in a liquid form, take it to your local recycling centre and it could then be reused as a source of energy.