A waste collection expert known as the No1 Binman on TikTok has clarified the correct way to dispose of used cooking oil at home. The oil should be placed in the general waste bin, not poured down the sink or put in the food waste caddy.
Pouring cooking oil down the drain is widely understood to be forbidden, as it solidifies quickly and causes blockages that require costly professional repairs. Water UK, the organisation representing the water industry, warns that fats, oils and grease disposed of down drains are a primary cause of the 300,000 sewer blockages that occur across the UK each year, costing approximately £100 million to resolve.
Why the Food Waste Caddy Is Not Suitable
Although the food waste caddy might seem like a logical alternative, the No1 Binman, a self-proclaimed 'binfluencer' who regularly offers guidance on what can and cannot be discarded, has addressed the confusion. In a recent video, he explained: "Used cooking oil should go in your general waste. Do not put it in the food waste, and definitely not the recycling bin."
This advice aligns with official recommendations, which suggest leaving the oil to cool, sealing it in a container, and then placing it in the general waste bin. However, the binman also stressed that the oil should not be poured directly into the bin, as this could damage the liner.
How to Dispose of Cooking Oil Properly
He recommended: "If you can, put it in a container or something that can't be recycled and then put it in your general waste. It stops it from going anywhere in case a bag splits. A family-sized amount of oil is OK to put in general waste."
A carton or jar with a secure, tight-fitting lid serves as an appropriate receptacle. However, the binman highlighted one significant exception: "If you've got loads of it, like commercial, then no, it doesn't go in your general bin. You'd have to either contact your council or get someone else to come and collect it. But if it's just like a normal family-sized amount of cooking oil, then it'll just go in your general waste."
For larger volumes, many local councils across the UK operate household waste recycling centres where cooking oil can be deposited separately. Some regions also provide dedicated cooking oil collection facilities, and used cooking oil can be converted into biodiesel, a renewable fuel source, making it worthwhile to check what your local authority offers before disposal.
Alternative Uses for Cooking Oil
For those seeking to extract further value from surplus cooking oil, specialists at Zero Waste Scotland have suggested some straightforward recycling options. The oil can be applied to a garden shed or fence as an alternative water-resistant coating, as it will not mark the wood and is safe to use around animals and plants.
Alternatively, cooking fat from chicken or bacon can be turned into a homemade treat for garden birds. Simply pour it into a suitable container, mix with bird seeds and nuts, leave it to set solid, and then place it outside for the birds to enjoy.
