UK households urged to stop pouring excess olive oil down sink drain | UK | News
Households have been asked to stop dumping excess cooking oil down drains and avoid “expensive” problems. Olive oil and vegetable oil are essential ingredients in various dishes; It helps prevent food from sticking to the pan and adds texture and flavor to cooking.
But if you’ve ever made a big roast on a Sunday, you’ll probably be familiar with the consequences that can follow – excess oil build-up. You may be in the habit of pouring your pan down the sink before cleaning it, but experts warn against doing so for one important reason.
Drainage and plumbing services dirm Drainage Doctor Their website included advice against applying damage in a tips and tricks article that identified 10 items you shouldn’t waste (but probably should).
The biggest culprits when it comes to damage to drains are fats, oils, and grease, often referred to collectively as FOG by utility companies.
This includes cooking oils like olive oil, which can contribute to major problems over time. “FOG is a drainage technician’s worst nightmare,” the article warns.
“Not only does FOG stick to the inside of pipes, but it also solidifies when cooled, eventually causing clogs and contributing to grease piles.”
The company says FOG must cool before disposal to avoid the risk of burning and make it easier to get rid of them; because they solidify rapidly as the temperature drops.
They recommend putting it in a sealable container before placing it in the trash, rather than into the compost once the liquid has cooled to room temperature, as it can be harmful to your soil.
Once the oil reaches a safe temperature, you can wipe off any remaining residue in the pan with a paper towel and discard.
You can also recycle larger quantities at your local waste facility; many can now convert it into biofuel. Information on the safe disposal of FOG can be found at: Drainage Doctor website.
