Binman settles debate on where to put old cooking oil - not the food bin
A binman has shared the correct method for disposing of used cooking oil at home - and it's not the food bin or down the sink.
For those who regularly cook at home, there is one kitchen waste product that can be very troublesome if not disposed of properly. Used cooking oil can be confusing to get rid of, especially when you have a considerable amount of it.
It's widely known that it should never be poured down the sink, as it can solidify rapidly and cause blockages that are costly to resolve. You might assume that the food waste bin is the logical alternative. However, according to one binman on social media, this is actually incorrect as well.
Read more: Households urged to put lids on glass jars for new bin rules
Read more: Households warned over glass jar and bottle lids after new bin rules
The No1 Binman on TikTok, a self-proclaimed 'binfluencer', regularly shares useful videos helping Brits understand what can and cannot be thrown away.
Most of his content is based on questions put to him by followers, and he recently waded into the debate surrounding the correct disposal of used cooking oil.
Pouring it down the sink is the obvious wrong answer, but according to the expert, the food bin is a no-go too. He said: "Used cooking oil should go in your general waste.
"Do not put it in the food waste, and definitely not the recycling bin."
The expert clarified that you shouldn't pour the oil directly into the bin, as this could cause problems with the bag.
He said: "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 a jar is an ideal example of a suitable container, and ensure whatever you use has a secure, sealable lid. However, the bin man pointed out one notable exception to this guidance.
He explained: "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."
For those looking to squeeze even more value from their used cooking oil, specialists at Zero Waste Scotland have suggested some straightforward recycling tips.
It can be brushed onto your garden shed or fence as a creosote substitute, as it won't stain the wood and remains perfectly safe to use around plants and animals.
Alternatively, cooking fat from chicken or bacon can be repurposed into a tasty treat for garden birds. Simply pour it into a pot, mix in bird seeds and nuts, allow it to set, then hang it outside for the birds to enjoy.
