Pouring it down the sink can cause fatbergs and clogged pipes, and tossing it in the bin isn't much better.
The good news? Used cooking oil can be recovered, recycled, and even turned into something useful – like biodiesel or animal feed.
Here’s everything you need to know about recovering and recycling your used cooking oil in the UK.
Why You Shouldn't Pour It Down the Drain
Used oil might look harmless, but when it cools, it solidifies. Combined with other waste, it forms massive fatbergs that block sewers – a costly problem for water companies and local councils. Even small amounts poured down the sink can contribute to this, so it’s vital to dispose of it properly.
What Happens When Cooking Oil Is Recycled?
Used cooking oil, when collected correctly, is cleaned, filtered, and processed. The most common use? Biodiesel – a renewable energy source that powers vehicles and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It can also be repurposed for:
Animal feed (in regulated conditions)
Industrial lubricants
Soap and cosmetics production
Composting and anaerobic digestion
How to Recycle Used Cooking Oil at Home
Cool It Down: Let the oil cool completely after cooking.
Strain and Store: Use a sieve or coffee filter to remove food particles. Pour the clean oil into a container with a secure lid (an old plastic bottle works well).
Find a Recycling Point: Many councils offer cooking oil recycling at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Some even accept it in separate containers with food waste. Check your local council's website for specific guidance.
Use a Collection Scheme: Some eco-friendly companies and charities offer cooking oil collection services – particularly for bulk users like restaurants or community kitchens. A few even offer to exchange it for vouchers or donations.
Can You Reuse Cooking Oil?
Yes – to a point. Oil can be reused a few times for deep frying if it’s strained and stored properly. However, once it becomes dark, smells off, or smokes heavily when heated, it’s time to dispose of it.
For Businesses: Commercial Cooking Oil Recycling
If you run a food business in the UK, it's a legal requirement to dispose of waste oil correctly. Licensed waste carriers like Olleco, Living Fuels, and Quatra UK provide collection services and often offer traceability certificates to prove your oil has been recycled responsibly.
Eco Tips for Everyday Cooking
Use less oil: Consider air fryers or non-stick pans that need minimal grease.
Use recyclable oils: Some vegetable oils are easier to recycle than others (rapeseed oil, for instance, is UK-grown and widely repurposed).
Store it separately: Keep a used oil container handy so you can build up a batch for recycling rather than disposing bit by bit.
Final Thoughts
Cooking oil might seem small-scale, but when millions of households pour it down the drain, the environmental and infrastructure costs add up fast. By recycling your oil, you’re not just protecting pipes – you’re helping create renewable energy and reducing waste.
So next time you fry, think before you pour – and turn that grease into something green.