Is it possible to compost cooking oil and grease?
A lot of cooking fat, oil, and grease (FOG) goes down the kitchen drain. Commercial kitchens install grease traps to collect the mess before it enters public sewer systems, diverting this waste to alternate disposal.
But the typical home kitchen does not, and the practice can clog pipes and negatively impact wastewater treatment systems.
Yes, it is possible to compost FOG. But for the home composter, volume reduction and reuse is recommended as the first and best management strategy. Adopt some of these kitchen practices to reduce and reuse to minimize volumes requiring composting or disposal:
REDUCE
- Opt for the oven or air fryer instead of deep or pan frying.
- Spray oil onto food or into pans to lightly coat before cooking instead of pouring oil into the vessel for significant volume (and calorie) reductions.
- Wipe cooking vessels with a paper towel before washing to remove excess oil.
REUSE
- Many fats and oils (bacon, peanut, etc.) can be reused. Cool and pour through a coffee filter or strainer into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to a month.
- Allow cooking juices to cool. Skim/remove the fat that congeals on the surface and freeze to use later to flavor veggies, soups, etc.
RECYCLE
- Check with your public utility to see if there is a FOG drop location in the community.
- Add cooking grease to the food waste bin if your community composting operation can accept it.
COMPOST AT HOME
- Small volumes (up to 1 cup) of plant-based oils are best for home composting. Simply pour over pile and blend in.
- Also compost the paper towels used to wipe oil from pans and kitchen surfaces.
DISPOSAL
- Pour waste oil into a non-recyclable can or bottle. Seal prior to disposal.