How to Dispose of Used Frying Oil in a Simple and Eco-Friendly Way

Among the various eco-friendly practices that we can adopt in the kitchen, the management of used frying oil deserves particular attention, as we are talking about a leftover that, if disposed of incorrectly, can have a very negative impact on the environment, polluting water and soil. Frying chips, vegetables, meat or fish is always a good idea to bring tasty foods to the table, but at the same time making a fried food according to the rules of the art does not only mean perfectly executing the recipe, but also appropriately managing what is in all respects not organic waste, but falls within special and hazardous waste (HW). Below, here is how to behave, because used oil can be recycled and contribute virtuously to the circular economy, reducing waste.

Frying Oil: Can You Reuse it or Not?

Speaking of waste , we often wonder whether the used oil used to fry food can be reused. Technically, in fact, it would be enough to let it cool, filter it and use it another 2 or 3 times. The suggestion, however, is not to proceed: when it exceeds the smoke point, the oil develops volatile substances that are potentially harmful to human health: it would be useful to always have a thermometer and monitor it all the time, to see if it undergoes temperature changes, which are frequent in home frying. Furthermore, you have to be careful about the foods you choose, because odors and flavors are preserved in the oil that can influence subsequent preparations.

Why is Used Oil a Danger to The Environment?

We are probably faced with one of the most underestimated sources of domestic pollution. Pouring used oil down the drain or toilet is an act that has serious environmental consequences: in fact, just one liter is enough to contaminate up to a million liters of water, making it undrinkable and damaging natural habitats. Why does it happen? The oil forms a film that contaminates aquifers, compromising purification, but also rivers and seas, preventing oxygenation and therefore endangering the survival of flora and fauna. Furthermore, when dispersed in the soil, the oil creates an impermeable barrier that does not allow plant roots to absorb nutrients. An impact that is invisible to our eyes, but which has long-lasting, if not irreversible, consequences.

How to Dispose of Used Frying Oil Correctly

Frying oil is a waste that is integrated with the overall separate collection , from plastic to glass. As previously seen, it is a HW, as are flat batteries, medicines or other used oils, for example that of the car engine. In order to be recycled later, it must be disposed of in the most appropriate way and in the places designated by your municipality.

• Collect the oil in a dedicated container: once used, let the used oil cool completely and pour it into a plastic container (a bottle is fine) or a tin, both tightly closed and full. It is better not to use glass, as it could break.
• Take it to collection centers: in many U.S. cities, there are ecological islands or collection points where you can deliver used oil free of charge, including affiliated supermarkets or service stations.
• Consult your municipality: each municipality has specific rules for recycling waste, including used oil. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to consult the regulations where you live.

How to Recycle Used Frying Oil

Used oil, once collected and treated, can become a valuable resource in various sectors. One of the most popular uses is the production of green fuels that reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as biodiesel, to be used both for transportation and heating; it is also valid for the production of lubricants, soaps and candles.