Updated: July 2025

Just finished cooking on your griddle or grill? Now you’re faced with a greasy drip tray and wondering what to do with all that leftover cooking grease.

Proper grease disposal is more critical than most people realize. While many of us know we shouldn’t pour grease down the drain, fewer understand the safe and responsible alternatives available.

After researching the best practices for grease disposal, I’ve compiled three proven methods that will help you handle your griddle and grill grease safely while protecting your plumbing and the environment. But first, let’s address the biggest mistake people make.

NEVER Dispose Of Grease Down The Drain

Here’s the hard truth: Even small amounts of grease can cause expensive plumbing disasters. That “harmless” bit of grease you rinse off your spatula? It’s building up in your pipes right now.

According to the EPA, even trace amounts of grease from unwashed cooking utensils can accumulate over time and cause serious blockages. You don’t need to pour an entire drip tray down the drain to create problems.

Here’s what happens when you pour grease down the drain:

• Hot grease appears to flow away easily with hot water
• Grease solidifies as it cools in your pipes and sewer lines
• Solidified grease sticks to pipe walls and traps other debris like hair and food particles
• Blockages form gradually until pipes are completely clogged
• Professional plumber required for expensive repairs ($200-$800+ per service call)

According to municipal water authorities, grease blockages are one of the leading causes of sewer overflows and can cost homeowners hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs. The city of San Francisco alone spends over $25 million annually clearing grease-related blockages.

Always wipe excess grease from utensils with paper towels before washing, and never pour any amount of grease down the drain. Instead, try one of these three safe alternatives.

Method 1: Reuse Your Grease

Reusing cooking grease is economical and reduces waste. Bacon grease, beef fat, and other animal fats make excellent cooking mediums that add incredible flavor to future dishes while saving money on cooking oils.

The key to successful grease reuse is proper filtration and storage. Clean grease lasts longer and tastes better than grease contaminated with food particles.

How to filter and store grease for reuse:

• Wait for grease to cool slightly but remain liquid (warm, not hot – around 140°F)
• Place a paper towel or coffee filter over a clean glass jar or fine-mesh strainer
• Pour grease slowly through the filter to catch food particles and debris
• Allow grease to cool completely before refrigerating (about 30 minutes)
• Store in airtight container in the refrigerator
• Label with date and type of grease for easy identification

Storage tips for maximum freshness:

• Bacon grease: Lasts 3-6 months refrigerated, 1 year frozen
• Beef fat: Lasts 2-3 months refrigerated, 6 months frozen
• Duck or chicken fat: Lasts 1-2 months refrigerated, 3 months frozen
• Mixed cooking grease: Use within 1-2 months for best quality
• Always smell before using – rancid grease has a strong, unpleasant odor

Pro tip: Bacon grease is particularly valuable for reuse. It’s perfect for frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, making cornbread, or adding smoky flavor to roasted potatoes. One tablespoon of bacon grease can replace butter or oil in most recipes.

Method 2: Recycle Your Grease

Many communities now offer grease recycling programs that convert used cooking oil and grease into biodiesel fuel. This environmentally friendly option keeps grease out of landfills while supporting renewable energy production.

How grease recycling works:

• Recycling centers collect used cooking grease and vegetable oils from residential and commercial sources
• Grease is processed into biodiesel – a renewable fuel source that burns cleaner than petroleum diesel
• Biodiesel reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions
• Some programs accept grease in containers you’ve used for storage
• One gallon of used grease can produce nearly one gallon of biodiesel

Where to find grease recycling programs in 2025:

• Contact your local waste management company about grease recycling options
• Check with municipal recycling centers for cooking oil drop-off programs
• Search online for “cooking oil recycling” plus your city name
• Visit Earth911.com and search for “cooking oil” to find local recycling locations
• Ask at local restaurants – they often know about commercial grease recycling services that accept residential grease
• Check with auto parts stores – some participate in used oil recycling programs

Preparation for recycling: Use the same filtering method described above to remove food particles. Most recycling programs prefer clean grease and may reject contaminated batches. Store filtered grease in containers until you have enough to make a trip worthwhile.

Method 3: Dispose In The Trash

When reusing or recycling isn’t practical, proper trash disposal is your safest option. The key is solidifying the grease first to prevent spills, odors, and attraction of pests.

Step-by-step trash disposal method:

• Pour warm grease into a disposable container (glass jar, aluminum can, or wax-lined carton)
• Allow grease to cool and solidify completely (2-4 hours at room temperature, or 30 minutes in refrigerator)
• Secure with a tight-fitting lid to prevent spills and odors
• Double-bag in plastic bags for extra protection against leaks
• Place in regular household trash (not compost or recycling bins)

Best containers for grease disposal:

• Glass jars – Mason jars, pickle jars, or sauce jars work perfectly and won’t melt
• Aluminum cans – Empty soup or vegetable cans (smooth edges with can opener)
• Milk or juice cartons – Wax-lined cartons contain grease well and are biodegradable
• Aluminum foil – Line a bowl, pour grease in, fold and dispose when solid
• Avoid plastic containers – Hot grease can melt or warp plastic, creating dangerous spills

Important safety reminder: Never pour hot grease directly into trash bags or plastic bins. The heat can melt plastic and create dangerous spills that are difficult to clean and may damage flooring.

Never compost grease – Despite good intentions, grease damages soil composition, attracts pests like rats and flies, creates odors, and can harm beneficial microorganisms in compost systems.

Quick Reference: Choose Your Method

• Reuse: Clean grease from bacon, beef, or pork – filter and refrigerate for future cooking
• Recycle: Large quantities of any grease – check local programs for biodiesel conversion
• Trash: Mixed or dirty grease – solidify first, then dispose in appropriate containers

By following these three methods, you’ll protect your plumbing, reduce waste, and dispose of grease responsibly. Remember: any option is better than pouring grease down the drain. Choose the method that works best for your situation and cooking habits. Your pipes—and your wallet—will thank you.