A professional waste collector who shares advice on social media has clarified the correct way to dispose of used cooking oil: it belongs in general waste, not the food waste caddy or recycling bin.
The advice comes from The No1 Binman on TikTok, a self-described 'binfluencer' who routinely answers follower questions about what can and cannot be thrown away. He recently tackled the confusion surrounding used cooking oil disposal.
Why not the food bin?
Tipping cooking oil down the sink is widely known to cause blockages, as it hardens quickly and leads to costly professional call-outs. Water UK, the body representing UK water companies, warns that fat, oil and grease poured down drains is one of the leading causes of sewer blockages, contributing to an estimated 300,000 blockages every year at a cost of around £100 million to clear.
However, the binman explained that the food waste bin is also inappropriate. He stated: "Used cooking oil should go in your general waste. Do not put it in the food waste, and definitely not the recycling bin."
How to dispose of it safely
His advice aligns with guidance from the UK government's official waste disposal resource, which states that cooking oil and fat should be disposed of in general household waste after being allowed to cool and solidify, or sealed in a container before being placed in the bin.
The binman stressed that the oil must not be poured directly into the bin, as this could compromise the bag's integrity. He advised: "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 makes for an ideal container, provided it has a secure, tight-fitting lid. However, he highlighted one 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."
Local options and alternative uses
Some local councils do offer cooking oil recycling collection points or drop-off schemes, and it is always worth checking your local authority's website for specific guidance in your area.
For those looking to get more use out of leftover cooking oil, experts at Zero Waste Scotland suggest practical alternatives. It can be applied to a garden shed or fence as a substitute for creosote, as it won't stain the wood and is safe to use around animals and plants. Alternatively, cooking fat rendered from chicken or bacon can be turned into a homemade treat for wild garden birds: pour it into a suitable container, mix in bird seeds and nuts, allow it to set solid, then hang it outdoors.
