Are There Any Cooking Oils That Are Safe To Put Down The Drain?

If you've been cooking for a while, you probably know that you aren't supposed to dump used cooking oil down the drain. Whether it's a high-heat oil that you used for a perfect saute, or the leftovers from making french fries, pouring oils (as well as grease and rendered fats) in your sink is a huge no-no. But could you perhaps pour used olive oil in your kitchen disposal, or should you keep them all away from your sink drain? Food Republic spoke with Joanne Gallagher, recipe creator and co-founder of Inspired Taste, and she was adamant that you not dispose of any oils through your sink.

"Never, EVER pour cooking oil down the drain, even in small amounts!" she insisted. Gallagher went on to tell us that it can solidify and cause blockages, especially when it mixes with other drain waste. She informed us that even small amounts can build up over time and lead to major plumbing problems.

Have you ever put an olive oil-heavy pasta dish in the fridge, only to discover the oil had hardened a bit in the cooler air? Oils can solidify when no longer exposed to high cooking heats, and especially when they're mixed with grease; while you might only pour a little at a time, every little bit adds to the blockage in your pipes, until your sink might stop draining altogether.

If you can't pour your used cooking oils down the drain, what can you do? "I recommend cooling the oil and sealing it in a container to toss in the trash," said Joanne Gallagher. You can keep plastic or glass jars with airtight lids on hand for just this purpose. Once the oil has cooled, pour it in, put the lid on, and throw it in your garbage can. We don't recommend keeping the same jar for reusing, as the oil can go rancid over time, and it might start to smell pretty gnarly — which is all kinds of unpleasant when opening later. We get it; tossing plastic or glass out in the garbage can feel sacrilege, but it's better than what dumping oil down the drain does to the environment. We suggest old food containers (think yogurt or margarine) that you don't mind losing.

Gallagher also recommended recycling it. "Many local centers accept used cooking oil," she said. It's true; old oil can be turned into biofuel. Check out this recycling locator for the closest center to you. You could also, she told us, repurpose small amounts at home for light frying, or even a second round of frying, depending on what was cooked. Just be sure to strain it well before reusing, through a fine mesh sieve or strainer, to remove any leftover food particles.