Fat, oil and grease fall under the same category of oil-based components that have so many uses. They range from being in the household for cooking to the maintenance of machine moving parts. Just like any other items, they should properly be discarded after use, failure to which they can case a plethora of negative implications on the environment.
So, where do you take your old batch of oil once it has fried its last chicken or fry? Used cooking oil recycling can not only boost the green credibility of your facility but also help you turn a profit. All you need to do is keep used cooking oil out of the sewers and landfills and put it to work with a recycling program near you.
However, why should you recycle?
Improperly disposing used cooking oil endangers the environment more so aquatic organisms. Generally, waste oil is slow to degrade. This is because it can stick on everything from beach sand to bird feathers and animal fur. It is also a major contributor to waterways contamination. Therefore, when getting rid of waste oil, it is crucial that you remember that the oil is persistent, insoluble and may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals.
Before you dispose of your leftover oil, you need to remember that the oil can be recycled and refined over and over and still be sed for many other purposes. For many years now, cooking oil has been recycled into good such as cosmetics and animal feed. However, new recycling initiatives are offering a greener second life which involves turning used oil into renewable diesel fuel.
Another option for using your used oil to green your fleet is to manufacture biodiesel which is created through altering the properties of fats chemically. Additionally, heating oil can also be replaced with products made from used cooking oil. Aside from reducing the amount of used oil you send to the landfills; you can make money out it by selling to vendors.
How to dispose waste oil
There are many benefits for used cooking oil recycling. So, here are great ways of properly disposing used oil for recycling if you want to enjoy the benefits:
Proper storage for collection and recycling
Proper oil disposal starts with storing the used oil properly and in the right container. The best and safest way to do this especially during transportation is using the original containers you bought the oil in. To avoid leakages that may be harmful to the environment, you need to ensure that the storage container is tightly closed.
Avoid storing in containers that contained chemicals, antifreeze or paint especially if the oil will be recycled or reused. While transferring the oil to a container also ensure that you avoid spillage. Once you have tightly sealed the container you should label it clearly.
Do some research on oil disposal
It is essential that you have some knowledge on the type of oil you want to discard. This will help you the correct way of doing it. Think of it this way, when you burn a substance that you don’t have full understanding of can leave you exposed to untold dangers. The logic same applies to used cooking oil.
While it is possible to get safely get rid of some oils with boilers and heaters, outsourcing disposal services for some oils may be a good idea. Once you have a clear understanding of the type of oilyou’re working it, the easier it will be to choose the safest and most effective method of disposal.
Don’t pour it down the drain
You should never pour used cooking oil into any septic system or down the drain. This is because it clogs drainage systems and sewers. In turn, this contributes in casing the system to deteriorate thus contaminating underground water
Just as stated above, used oil should be properly stores and labeled with an objective of correctly disposing it whether you’re using the services of a professional or sending it for recycling.