A refuse collector has finally settled the debate on where to put used cooking oil — and it is not the food waste bin. The TikTok 'binfluencer', known as No1 Binman, regularly shares advice on proper waste disposal for Britons.
Why Not Food Waste?
It is commonly known that cooking oil must never be poured down the sink, as it can harden and cause costly blockages. However, the binman explains that the food waste bin is also inappropriate. He states: "Used cooking oil should go in your general waste. Do not put it in the food waste, and definitely not the recycling bin."
How to Dispose Safely
The binman warns against pouring oil directly into the bin, as it could leak if the bag splits. Instead, he advises: "If you can, put it in a container or something that can't be recycled and then put it in your general waste. It stops it from going anywhere in case a bag splits." A carton or jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal.
Exception for Large Quantities
For commercial quantities, the refuse collector notes: "If you've got loads of it, like commercial, then no, it doesn't go in your general bin. You'd have to either contact your council or get someone else to come and collect it. But if it's just like a normal family-sized amount of cooking oil, then it'll just go in your general waste."
Creative Reuse Options
For those seeking alternative uses, experts at Zero Waste Scotland suggest applying leftover oil to garden sheds or fences as a substitute for creosote. It does not discolour wood and is safe around animals and plants. Alternatively, cooking fat from chicken or bacon can be turned into bird treats: pour into a container, mix with seeds and nuts, let it set, and hang outside for birds.
