Waste cooking oil (WCO), otherwise known as used cooking oil (UCO), is a by-product of cooking that’s often overlooked. However, it does have a significant impact on a wide range of cooking processes, as well as having a negative consequence on the environment, if disposed of irresponsibly. As well as the planet, the public infrastructure and the economy could suffer as a result of improper waste cooking oil disposal. However, to be able to understand its importance, we first need to know what used cooking oil is and why the correct disposal matters. So, let’s get into it.
What is waste cooking oil (WCO)?
Waste cooking oil refers to any edible oil or fat that’s used for cooking. Essentially, it’s no longer suitable for food preparation, and so it needs to be replaced with fresh cooking oil supplies, which is something that we here at Cater Oils can help with.
When it comes to used cooking oil, it’s generally considered to be no longer suitable for food preparation of any kind, and it often originates from commercial settings, like restaurants, cafes, takeaways, schools, hospitals, food manufacturers, caterers and more.
Some common sources of waste cooking oil include: vegetable oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil and olive oil, to name just a few. It can also include animal by-products, like fats and lards. Once the cooking oil has been heated repeatedly, it will begin to break down.
This causes it to lose its quality. You’ll also find that it darkens in colour, develops unpleasant smells and affects the overall quality and taste of the food being cooked. At this stage, it becomes waste cooking oil and should therefore be replaced.
Why is correct disposal important?
Many people underestimate the consequences of disposing of used cooking oil incorrectly. Pouring oil down the sink, tipping it into the toilet, or pouring it down outside drains can cause serious environmental and infrastructural problems. By responsibly disposing of used cooking oil, you’ll help to protect the drainage system, reduce pollution and support the recycling of valuable resources. So, what is the point of disposing of waste cooking oil in the right way? Let us explain:
It prevents blocked drains
Waste cooking oil can cause drains and sewers to block up, preventing correct water flow and effective waste management. Take the Whitechapel Fatberg, for instance. In 2017, a monster fatberg was found in a Whitechapel sewer. It’s 250 metres long and weighs 130 tonnes. It’s a combined mess of wipes, oil and fat.
However, in order to have it removed, it cost Thames Water £2.1 million and took over two months to clear. This caused disruption to nearby homes and businesses while the sewer was out of action.
To avoid this happening somewhere in your local vicinity, don’t tip waste cooking oil down the drain or put it down the loo. Not only can a blocked sewer be costly to remedy, either for yourself (if it’s on your property) or your local water company (which could result in increased bills), but it also poses potential health hazards.
It protects the waterways
Waste cooking oil that enters drainage systems can eventually reach lakes, rivers, canals, streams and even coastal waters. Even if you pour a small amount of cooking oil down the drain, it has the potential to pollute waterways, reduce oxygen levels, harm aquatic animals, damage marine habitats, harm aquatic plants and affect birds and other wildlife. Unlike water, waste cooking oil doesn’t naturally dissolve, meaning it can remain in the environment for extended periods at a time.
It supports recycling
One of the biggest advantages of disposing of used cooking oil properly is that it can be recycled into valuable products, such as biodiesel. This is something that we do here at Cater Oils. We’ll pick up your used cooking oil directly from your premises. It’s then sent off to be turned into biodiesel for use throughout the community. Alternatively, waste cooking oil can also be used for animal feed, another form of recycling. Recycling waste cooking oil reduces the demand for virgin oils and helps support a circular economy in the process.
It lowers carbon emissions
Recycled cooking oil is an important raw material for producing lower-carbon fuels. Compared with conventional fossil fuels, fuels made from recycled cooking oil can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions over their lifecycle. As demand for renewable energy sources grows, waste cooking oil has become an increasingly valuable resource. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, then recycling your used cooking oil is a great start.
It helps you to meet legal requirements regarding hazardous waste
Businesses that generate waste cooking oil often have a legal requirement to carefully regard its collection, storage and disposal. Businesses, regardless of their size, like restaurants, cafes, hotels, schools, hospitals and more, should ensure that oil is stored securely. Also, containers need to be clearly labelled and collected by authorised carriers (like us here at Cater Oils). In addition to this, disposal records will need to be maintained where required. In addition, you need to ensure that local environmental regulations are closely followed. If you fail to comply with waste management laws, you could receive a fine or even an enforcement action.
How can I dispose of waste cooking oil at home?
We’ve just emphasised correct waste cooking oil disposal for businesses. But don’t assume that you’re off the hook because you’re getting rid of waste cooking oil at home. Used cooking oil still requires the same level of responsibility in a domestic setting when it comes to its disposal. If you’re wondering how to dispose of waste cooking oil at home, then you should follow these steps:
- Allow the oil to cool down completely
- Pour it into a sealable container, such as a plastic bottle or a zip-lock sandwich bag
- Never pour the oil down the sink, the toilet or the drain
- Take the sealed container to your local recycling centre, if it accepts used cooking oil
- Alternatively, check how your Local Authority would like you to deal with waste cooking oil in the home
Cater Oils is pleased to provide a waste cooking oil collection service that’s completely free of charge. In fact, we can collect it in exchange for cash or a credit note against our fresh cooking oil supplies, including olive oil, rapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil and pomace oil. For further information about our cooking oil services, including how we turn it into biodiesel, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.
