We use cooking oil in various ways to prepare and consume food. Cooking oils, including olive oil, corn oil, and sunflower seed oil, are essential when cooking greasy foods. The problem arises when disposing of the leftover waste cooking oil. Carelessly discarding it can lead to environmental pollution and, as it is highly flammable, it can also cause safety accidents. Therefore, it is essential to dispose of waste cooking oil properly. Let’s look at how to dispose of waste cooking oil safely.
Using a dedicated collection bin for waste cooking oil
If a large amount of waste cooking oil is generated, it can be disposed of by visiting a nearby administrative welfare center. These centers are equipped with ‘dedicated collection bins for cooking oil,’ where you can dispose of your used oil. Only vegetable oils such as soybean, sesame, canola, sunflower seed, and olive oil can be put into these collection bins. The oil collected in these bins is recycled as a raw material for biodiesel, a renewable energy source gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative to diesel fuel.
Absorb with paper and dispose
If the amount of cooking oil to be disposed of is small, you can use paper. Even if the amount is small, pouring cooking oil directly into the sink or toilet can clog the drain. This is because cooking oil solidifies when mixed with cold water. Therefore, it is recommended to absorb the oil with paper, kitchen towels, newspapers, diapers, etc., and dispose of it. Used paper and empty oil cans are classified as general waste so they can be disposed of in a standard garbage bag.
Using oil solidifier
If the amount is large, it is better to use an oil solidifier, even if it is a bit cumbersome. After heating the cooking oil to about 176°F, stir in the oil solidifier. The solidifier is a powdered vegetable hydrogenated fatty acid, which solidifies the fat when added to used cooking oil. Once the solidifier has wholly melted and disappeared and you wait about an hour, the oil will completely solidify. The solidified oil can be disposed of in a standard garbage bag.
Freezing cooking oil to dispose
Another method is to freeze the cooking oil in the freezer to solidify and dispose of it. After cooling the used oil, put it in a plastic container. Then, freeze it as it is in the freezer. It is also okay to freeze it in a milk carton or paper cup. Any material that does not leak oil can be used. All you need to do is put the oil in, freeze it, and seal it. The frozen oil can be disposed of as general waste in a standard garbage bag.
Mix with flour and dispose
Another method is to use flour, which absorbs oil well, to make it fluffy and dispose of it. After mixing the oil with expired flour and stirring it to make it smooth, put it in a standard garbage bag and dispose of it. However, unlike when freezing or absorbing with paper, note that flour should be classified as ‘food waste’ when disposed of. You can also use frying powder or potato starch instead of flour.
Removing sticker residue
Waste cooking oil can be used for disposal and various practical uses in daily life. Cooking oil can help remove sticker residue. Sticker residue that does not come off cleanly and remains messy can be easily removed with cooking oil. Apply cooking oil to the area where the sticker residue remains, wait about 5 minutes, and then rub it with a kitchen towel. You can see that the sticker residue is cleanly removed without much effort.
Cleaning kitchen hood
Cooking oil can also help clean a greasy kitchen range hood. If the kitchen hood is left with oil, it can cause a fire and is unsuitable for hygiene or aesthetics. After removing the dirty kitchen hood, lay down the newspaper and attach the wrap to one side to prevent the oil from leaking. Then, apply the oil, wait, and remove the lumps that have melted and flowed with a toothbrush.
Taming earthenware pots
Our unique cooking utensil, the earthenware pot, is a dish that can withstand fire for cooking and fermentation. Unlike ordinary pots or dishes, earthenware pots need care. In particular, ‘taming’ is necessary for new earthenware pots. After washing a new earthenware pot once, apply cooking oil and heat it over low heat for about 30 seconds, then rub it evenly with a kitchen towel to tame it. The formed oil film prevents food debris and foreign substances from entering the pores.
Cleaning with abrasive
Waste cooking oil can also help clean stainless steel containers. This is because cooking oil can be used to remove stainless steel abrasives. Apply a small amount of cooking oil to a kitchen towel and thoroughly wipe the stainless steel container. Since there may be more abrasives in curved or bent areas than flat areas, it is good to wipe every corner carefully. After removing the abrasive, lightly wash it with kitchen detergent.
Wooden cutting board care
Wood is different from iron or plastic materials. Continuous care is necessary as its properties can change depending on the environment. A common kitchen item made of wood is a cutting board, and waste cooking oil can help care for it. Feeding the cutting board with waste cooking oil doesn’t absorb water well, and it’s easy to manage because the knife doesn’t go in well. After sprinkling enough waste cooking oil on the cutting board, rub it evenly with a kitchen towel and leave it for a day.
By Choi Deok-su (press@daily.co.kr)
Most Commented