How to Dispose of Cooking Oil in Georgia: Protecting Our Peach State

By Artem Kamalov, Director of Strategic Partnerships for LRS. Last updated: August 30, 2024.

Is Your Kitchen Oil Harming Georgia’s Environment?

You’ve finished frying a tasty batch of crispy chicken for your family. As you clean up, you’re tempted to pour that used cooking oil down the drain. Stop right there! That simple act could ruin Georgia’s ecosystems, your plumbing, and your wallet. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on how to dispose of cooking oil in the Peach State. One option is using a cooking oil collector. They recycle used cooking oil. It makes restaurants and cafés safer and more efficient. Joining oil recycling programs can help. They promote sustainability and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Why Proper Oil Disposal Matters in Georgia

Cooking oil, dumped improperly, threatens Georgia’s diverse landscape. It stretches from the Chattahoochee River to the coast. The Georgia EPD’s 2023 Water Quality Report says that oil in our waterways forms a suffocating barrier on the surface. It devastates local wildlife and pollutes our drinking water.

Dr. Michael Johnson, a UGA professor, says, “Proper handling of cooking oil is crucial for Georgia’s water and ecosystems.” “Even small amounts of oil can harm aquatic life.”

Always consult your local waste management authority for guidelines on proper oil disposal. Proper grease disposal is also crucial to prevent environmental damage and ensure compliance with local regulations.

In cities like Atlanta, improper disposal of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can cause ‘fatbergs.’ These are large blockages in sewer systems that disrupt service. Atlanta’s expense figures are not available. But, cities like New York and London spend millions yearly on fatberg removal.

So, Georgia may face similar costs. Food service establishments must use proper disposal methods to avoid these issues. Also, improper oil disposal can cause major plumbing issues at home. This can lead to costly repairs and health risks from sewage overflows.

The Hidden Costs of Improper Grease and Oils

Did you know that a single gallon of oil can contaminate up to a million gallons of water? In Georgia, where water conservation is crucial, this is a statistic we can’t ignore. Our municipalities spend millions each year unclogging pipes and cleaning oil-related messes.

These costs will pass to you, the taxpayer, in time. Utilizing cooking oil pickup services can help reduce these costs by ensuring proper disposal. Not handling waste properly may also pose legal risks if you violate local environmental regulations regarding hazardous waste.

Source: https://www.mrwa.com/

At-Home Disposal Methods: Easy Solutions for Every Georgian

To dispose of cooking oil at home, Georgians have several good options. Each method has its pros and cons. Reuse leftover oil for cooking or dispose of it properly. This avoids plumbing issues and the legal risks of improper hazardous waste disposal. This lets you pick the best one for your situation. You can also take your used oil to local recycling centers. Let’s dive into these methods in detail.

The Cool and Trash Method: Simple and Effective

This simple method is perfect for small amounts of oil. It is ideal for most households in Georgia. Here’s how to do it right:

• Safety First: Allow the oil to cool completely. Hot oil can cause severe burns and may melt plastic containers. In Georgia’s warm climate, this cooling process might take a bit longer, so be patient.
• Choose the Right Container: Select a non-recyclable container with a secure lid. Old milk cartons, takeout containers, or glass jars work well. Avoid using containers that before held chemicals or non-food items.
• Pour Carefully: Use a funnel to pour the cooled oil into your chosen container. This prevents spills that could attract pests, a concern in our southern climate.
• Seal Tightly: Close the lid firmly to lock it in place and prevent leakage. If using a screw-top jar, consider adding a layer of plastic wrap under the lid for extra protection.
• Dispose in Regular Trash: Place the sealed container in your regular household trash.

Pro Tip: Add a few drops of lemon or lavender essential oil to mask any lingering odors. This is especially helpful during Georgia’s hot summers when odors are stronger.

Environmental Consideration: While this method is convenient, it does contribute to landfill waste. To minimize environmental impact, consider using biodegradable containers when possible. Many Georgia companies now sell compostable food containers for this.

Frequency: This method suits the average Georgian household. It can dispose of up to 2 cups of oil per week. If you often generate more oil than this, consider one of the recycling options we will discuss later.

Local Insight: Some Georgia counties, like Fulton and DeKalb, have rules for disposing of cooking oil in the trash. Always check with your local waste management authority for any special instructions.

Health and Safety Note: Never pour oil directly into your trash bag. This can cause messy leaks and attract wildlife. This is a concern in many of Georgia’s suburban and rural areas.

The Solidify and Toss Technique: No-Mess

This method is great for those who want a neater way to dispose of oil. It’s also great for Georgia’s hot summers when liquid oil can be hard to handle. Here’s how to master this technique:

1. Cooling Phase: Allow the oil to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial for safety and to prevent damage to your freezer container.
2. Choose a freezer-safe container: Pick a container that won’t crack in the cold. Plastic food storage containers or disposable aluminum trays work well. Avoid glass, as it can shatter in the cold.
3. Pour the cooled oil into your designated container: Leave some space at the top as the oil will expand slightly when frozen. Place the container in your freezer.
4. Freezing Time: Allow the oil to freeze completely. This usually takes overnight, but in some cases, it might take up to 24 hours. The freezing time can vary depending on the amount of oil and the efficiency of your freezer.
5. Disposal: Once the oil is solid, remove it from the freezer. You can either throw the whole container in the trash or scoop out the solidified oil and discard it. Then, save the container for future use.

Pro Tip: If you are dealing with a large amount of oil, freeze it in smaller portions. This makes it easier to handle and dispose of over time.

Environmental Consideration: This method, like the cool and trash technique, still sends oil to the landfill. However, solidifying the oil reduces the risk of spills. Spills can contaminate soil and water sources.

Frequency: This method suits the disposal of large amounts of oil. It’s ideal for heavy fryers and for grease disposal after a big family gathering or a Georgia game day party.

Local Insight: In winter, you might solidify the cooking oil by leaving it outside overnight. Yet, be cautious of wildlife attracted to the smell of food. Using a secure, animal-proof container is essential. This is especially true in parts of Georgia where bears and other wildlife are common.

Health and Safety Note: Always label your container “Used Cooking Oil.” This will prevent confusion with any food in your freezer. This is particularly important if you have children in the house.

Freezing makes oil easier to handle. It doesn’t change its environmental impact. Always focus on recycling options or cooking oil pickup services when available in your area of Georgia.

Legal Note: Throwing away oil in the trash may violate local waste laws. This can result in fines. Also, dumping hazardous waste, like used cooking oil, can cause legal issues.

The Absorb and Trash Strategy: Great for Spills

This method to collect oil is useful for large oil spills, which are common in busy Georgian kitchens. It’s also great for restaurants or a facility needing an emergency waste disposal method. Here’s how to effectively use this strategy:

• Choose an absorbent material: Use cat litter, sawdust, sand, or old rags. In Georgia, you can use abundant, available materials like pine straw or fallen leaves.
• Contain the Oil: If you’re dealing with a spill, first contain it to prevent spreading. Use old towels or paper towels to create a barrier around the spilled oil.
• Apply the Absorbent: Generously sprinkle your chosen absorbent material over the oil. For contained oil (not spills), pour it onto absorbent material in a disposable container.
• Blend completely: Combine oil and absorbent material using a spatula or old spoon. The goal is to have all the oil absorbed, leaving no free liquid.
• Allow Time to Absorb: Let the mixture sit for several hours, or overnight. This ensures maximum absorption. This is crucial in Georgia’s humid climate. There, oil can take longer to absorb.
• Scoop and Dispose: Once the oil is fully absorbed, scoop the mixture into a trash bag. Seal the bag tightly and throw it in a regular household trash bin.

Pro Tip: For large spills on porous surfaces, like concrete driveways (common in many Georgia homes), sprinkle an absorbent material. Let it sit, then sweep it up. Repeat until the area is clean and oil-free.

Environmental Consideration: This method creates waste. But, it effectively prevents oil from entering the environment, especially in emergency spills. When possible, use biodegradable absorbents to minimize environmental impact.

Frequency: This method is best for occasional use. It suits large spills or when you need to get rid of a lot of oil at once. Don’t use it for regular, small disposals. It generates too much waste.

Local Insight: In Georgia’s pine-rich areas, pine needles are a great natural absorbent. They’re free, readily available, and biodegradable. Just be sure to use dry needles for maximum absorption.

Safety Note: If you’re using this method to clean up a spill on a floor, be very careful. The area can become extremely slippery. Ensure thorough cleaning after absorption to prevent accidents.

Commercial Application: Georgia restaurants must keep absorbent materials on hand. They are vital for a quick response to oil spills. They can help you follow local health and safety rules. They can also prevent costly accidents.

Legal Note: Get rid of waste per local rules to avoid fines. This is especially important for businesses that may generate more oil.

Recycling Your Used Cooking Oil: Turning Waste into Resource

At-home disposal methods are convenient. But recycling your cooking oil is often the best for the environment. In Georgia, we have several recycling programs and services. They promote sustainable practices, including community recycling events.

Local Recycling Centers: Community Solutions

Many Georgia communities have oil recycling programs. They make it easy to recycle your fry oil responsibly. Here are some notable options:

• Location: 1110 Hill Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM
• Accepts cooking oil in sealed containers of up to 5 gallons

Visit Charm website for more information on recycling

• Location: 470 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM
• Offers a drive-through recycling center that accepts cooking oil.

Visit the Community page for Keep North Fulton Beautiful in Roswell

• Many Georgia fire stations recycle cooking oil, especially after holidays.
• Check with your local fire department for participation and drop-off times.

Visit a local firestation near you

Some Georgia counties, like Gwinnett, hold periodic hazardous waste events. They accept used cooking oil at these events. These events are great opportunities to manage grease and other hard-to-recycle items. Also, many areas have community recycling events. You can dispose of cooking oil and other hard-to-recycle items there.

Pro Tip: Call a recycling center to check its rules and schedule before you go. Policies may change, especially around holidays.

Environmental Impact: Recycling your cooking oil prevents it from polluting landfills and waterways. It also helps produce biodiesel, a clean fuel that cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Restaurant oil recycling helps the environment. It also helps food-service businesses manage waste.

Professional Recycling Services: Food Service Establishments

Restaurants, food service businesses, and homes with used cooking oil can recycle it safely. It’s a quick fix. Several companies specialize in cooking oil collection services across Georgia:

Marion Recycling Industries

• Serves: Atlanta, South Fulton, Augusta, and Macon.
• Offers: Free grease trap installation and maintenance.
• Unique feature: Profit-sharing from recycled oil

Premier Grease

• Operates in Atlanta and Savannah city.
• Provides transparent reporting on oil collection.
• Additional services: hood cleaning and container cleaning.

Clean Energy Biofuels

• Covers Atlanta and Macon.
• Converts collected oil into biodiesel fuel.
• Offers competitive rebates for used cooking oil.

Liquid Recovery Solutions (LRS)

• Offers statewide services.
• Specialize in grease and cooking oil management.
• Provides restaurant oil recycling, grease trap cleaning and automated waste oil storage systems.

Southern Green Industries

• Based in Atlanta.
• Provides free grease trap cleaning services.
• Focuses on converting collected oil into biodiesel fuel.

These services often provide free used cooking oil containers. They may even pay you for your used oil, turning your waste into a potential revenue stream. It is important to store cooking oil properly before recycling to ensure safety and efficiency.

In 2023, we at Liquid Recovery Solutions worked with a restaurant chain on used cooking oil collection in Atlanta. In six months, they cut waste disposal costs by 35% and helped produce 5,000 gallons of biodiesel. This saved them money and boosted their green reputation.

The Do-Not-Do List: Avoiding Common Mistakes

We’ve covered many proper disposal methods. It’s also important to know what not to do with your used cooking oil. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Never pour oil down the sink, drain or toilet. It can cause plumbing issues and harm the environment.
• Don’t dispose of oil in yard waste or recycling bins. It can contaminate recyclables and disrupt composting.
• Don’t mix oil with other chemicals before getting rid of it. It can create hazardous waste and ruin recycling.
• Don’t reuse oil too many times. It’s fine to reuse it, but excessive use can form harmful compounds.
• Never pour hot oil into garbage bags or plastic containers. It can melt the plastic, causing spills and injuries.

Expert Insight: Adrena Stephenson, an Environmental Health Specialist at the Georgia Department of Public Health, warns, “Improper oil disposal is a public health concern, not just an environmental issue.” Oil in our water can promote harmful bacteria and spread diseases.”

Legal Note: Improper oil disposal can result in fines for damaging the environment or plumbing.

Responsible Grease Management for Every Georgian

Proper cooking oil management is more than just a good habit – it’s our responsibility as Georgians. These simple steps will protect our beautiful state. They will boost our economy and create a sustainable future.

Remember (CCR):

• Cool it.
• Contain it.
• Recycle it when possible.

Together, we can keep Georgia’s pipes clear, waters clean, and the future bright. So, the next time you’re cleaning up after a delicious fried meal, think about where that oil is going. The right method gets rid of waste. It also helps create a cleaner, greener Georgia.

Let’s make our state a leader in sustainable practices, one drop of oil at a time. Are you ready to join the movement?

For info on disposing of or recycling cooking oil, contact your local waste management authority. Also, visit the Georgia Environmental Protection Division website at epd.georgia.gov. Let’s work together to keep Georgia peachy clean!

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about cooking oil in Georgia. For advice, consult your local waste authority or a licensed environmental consultant.

For questions about used cooking oil, contact the Georgia EPD at (404) 656-4713 or epd.georgia.gov.

Our team of environmental specialists regularly reviews and fact-checks this guide. It is updated to reflect the latest regulations and best practices in Georgia. This content also adheres to our editorial guidelines.