What to Do With Grease: 15 Sustainable Solutions
Grease is a byproduct of cooking that most people don’t think twice about until it becomes a problem. Whether it’s bacon fat, used frying oil, or butter residue, improper disposal can lead to clogged drains, plumbing disasters, and environmental harm. So, what to do with grease? If you’ve ever wondered what to do with grease, you’re not alone—many people struggle with its proper disposal.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 sustainable ways to handle grease, including eco-friendly disposal methods, creative reuses, and recycling options. Whether you’re looking for DIY solutions, composting ideas, or industrial recycling programs, this article covers all the best options.
Why Proper Grease Disposal Matters
Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why you should never pour grease down the drain:
Plumbing Issues: Grease hardens in pipes, leading to blockages and expensive repairs.
Environmental Damage: Grease that reaches sewer systems can contribute to water pollution.
Pest Attraction: Disposing of grease improperly outdoors can attract rodents and insects.
Sewage Backups: Grease build-up in municipal sewers can cause overflows, leading to environmental hazards.
Now that we know why proper grease disposal is important, let’s explore the best ways to manage it responsibly.
1. Let Grease Harden and Throw It Away
One of the simplest ways to dispose of small amounts of grease is to let it cool and solidify. Once it’s hardened, scrape it into a container, seal it, and throw it in the trash.
How to Do It:
Pour the grease into a heat-resistant container (such as an old tin can or a glass jar).
Let it sit until it hardens.
Close the lid tightly and place it in the trash.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to waste a container, line a bowl with aluminum foil, pour the grease in, and once it solidifies, fold up the foil and toss it.
2. Reuse Cooking Grease for Future Cooking
If the grease is from bacon, frying oil, or butter, consider saving it for future use. Many Southern and gourmet recipes benefit from reused grease, adding a rich flavor to dishes.
Best Ways to Reuse Grease:
Bacon grease: Great for frying eggs, making gravies, or roasting vegetables.
Frying oil: Can be reused for deep frying after filtering out food particles.
Butter residue: Adds extra flavor to sauces and baked goods.
Storage Tip: Store used grease in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month or in the freezer for longer storage.
3. Compost Small Amounts of Vegetable Oil
Wondering what to do with old grease that’s plant-based? Small amounts of vegetable oil can be composted, but avoid adding animal fats, as they attract pests.
How to Compost Cooking Oil:
Use only small amounts (less than a tablespoon per compost bin layer).
Mix it with absorbent materials like sawdust, cardboard, or coffee grounds.
Avoid adding large amounts, as it can suffocate the compost pile.
What Not to Compost: Bacon grease, lard, and dairy-based oils, as they can create odors and attract vermin.
4. Turn Grease into Homemade Candles
Did you know you can turn old cooking grease into DIY candles? This is a fun and sustainable way to repurpose used fats.
How to Make a Grease Candle:
Strain the grease to remove food particles.
Melt it down if necessary.
Add a wick to a small jar or can.
Pour the melted grease around the wick.
Let it harden and trim the wick before lighting.
5. Make DIY Bird Suet Cakes
Bird lovers can repurpose old grease into suet cakes for backyard feeders. Suet cakes provide energy-rich food for birds, especially in winter.
How to Make Bird Suet Cakes:
Mix hardened grease with birdseed, oats, and peanut butter.
Shape into small cakes or fill a suet feeder.
Freeze until solid before placing outside.
Important Note: Only use animal fats like bacon grease or lard, as vegetable oils don’t provide the same benefits for birds.
6. Use Grease for Seasoning Cast Iron Pans
If you own a cast iron skillet, reusing grease for seasoning can keep it in top condition.
How to Season a Cast Iron Pan with Grease:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Apply a thin layer of grease to the pan.
Place it upside down in the oven for an hour.
Let it cool before storing.
7. Convert Grease into Biodiesel
If you have large quantities of used cooking oil, consider converting it into biodiesel. Many recycling programs accept used oils to create renewable fuel.
How to Find Biodiesel Recycling Programs:
Search online for "used cooking oil recycling near me."
Contact local waste management companies.
Ask nearby restaurants if they participate in grease recycling programs.
8. Use Grease as a Fire Starter
Old grease can be repurposed as a natural fire starter for campfires or fireplaces.
How to Make Grease Fire Starters:
Soak cotton balls or paper towels in hardened grease.
Store them in a sealed container.
Use them as fire starters for grills, campfires, or wood stoves.
9. Donate Used Grease to Local Farms
Some farms accept used cooking grease for animal feed or composting purposes. Call local farms to see if they can repurpose your old grease.
10. Absorb Grease with Cat Litter or Coffee Grounds
If you have liquid grease you can’t repurpose, absorb it before disposing of it in the trash.
Absorbing Materials:
Cat litter
Coffee grounds
Sawdust
Sand
11. Use It for Leather and Wood Conditioning
Small amounts of clean grease can be used to restore leather shoes, wooden furniture, and cutting boards. Apply a tiny amount and buff it in.
12. Create DIY Soap from Used Grease
Old grease can be turned into homemade soap through a process called saponification. Mix it with lye and water to create sustainable soap bars.
13. Store Grease in a Grease Trap
Restaurants use grease traps to manage oil waste. Homeowners can install a mini version under their sink to collect and dispose of grease properly.
14. Avoid Pouring Grease Outside
Never pour grease into your backyard or drains. It can harm plants, attract pests, and contaminate soil and water sources.
15. Check Local Hazardous Waste Programs
Many cities have hazardous waste programs that accept used grease for safe disposal. Search for "hazardous household waste disposal near me" to find options in your area.If you’re in Australia, UCO Collections offers free collection services for used cooking oil, making grease disposal convenient and sustainable.
Conclusion
There are plenty of sustainable and creative ways to handle grease, whether you choose to reuse, recycle, or safely dispose of it. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, try one of these 15 eco-friendly solutions to protect your pipes and the environment.
Next time you’re wondering what to do with grease, remember: every small effort counts toward a greener planet!
