As the year comes to a close, families eagerly anticipate the holiday season. It’s a time of togetherness, gift-giving, and indulging in mouthwatering meals like fried turkeys. However, once the festivities wind down, the question arises: What should you do with the used cooking oil, fat, or grease?
Pouring these substances down the drain is a big no-no. Regardless of whether you use hot water or soap, doing so can wreak havoc on your plumbing and Hillsborough County’s wastewater collection system. The oil, fat, or grease solidifies inside pipes and sewage lines, leading to clogs that restrict water flow. This can result in plumbing backups, equipment malfunctions, sewage spills, and foul odors in homes and neighborhoods.
To combat this issue, Hillsborough County offers a convenient solution – the Cooking Oil Recycling Effort (CORE). The program provides 24 collection stations throughout the county, including libraries, parks, solid waste transfer stations, and a public utility service center. These centers accept used cooking oil, fat, and grease all year round, not just during the holiday season.
Properly collecting the cooking oil for recycling is essential. Once the oil has cooled, carefully pour it into a large, sturdy container made of plastic or glass with a food-grade label and a tight-fitting lid. Avoid using containers that previously held petroleum products, such as motor oil. If the container isn’t full, store it in a cool and safe location until it can be brought to a CORE station or a household hazardous waste collection center.
In addition to disposing of oil responsibly, it’s crucial to avoid flushing it down the toilet, putting greasy foods down the garbage disposal, or placing used cooking oil in the recycling cart. To prevent clogs and keep pipes flowing smoothly, residents can take a few simple steps. Scraping leftover food into the trash before washing pots, pans, and dishes, using a fine-mesh strainer in the sink to catch debris, and cleaning out leftover foods from the sink and disposing of them in the trash are all effective measures.
Don’t forget to be a part of Hillsborough County’s sustainable cooking oil recycling initiative. To learn more about CORE, visit www.hcflgov.net/core. For any inquiries, you can email [email protected] or call 813-272-5977, ext. 43515.
FAQ
1. Can I pour cooking oil, fat, or grease down the drain even if I use hot water or soap?
No, pouring cooking oil, fat, or grease down the drain is not recommended. It can lead to plumbing issues and damage to Hillsborough County’s wastewater collection system.
2. Where can I drop off used cooking oil, fat, or grease for recycling?
Hillsborough County offers 24 collection stations located throughout the county, including libraries, parks, solid waste transfer stations, and a public utility service center. These locations accept used cooking oil, fat, and grease all year round.
3. How should I collect and store the used cooking oil before recycling it?
After the cooking oil has cooled, carefully pour it into a large, sturdy container made of plastic or glass with a food-grade label and a tight-fitting lid. Avoid using containers that previously held petroleum products, such as motor oil. If the container isn’t full, store it in a cool and safe location until it can be brought to a collection station or a household hazardous waste collection center.
4. What should I do to prevent clogs and maintain a healthy plumbing system?
To prevent clogs, scrape leftover food into the trash before washing pots, pans, and dishes. Use a fine-mesh strainer in the sink to catch debris and clean out leftover foods from the sink, disposing of them in the trash. These simple steps can help keep your pipes flowing smoothly.