How to Dispose of Bacon Grease? Here's how to discard it effectively

Correctly disposing of bacon grease is essential to keep kitchen spaces clean and to avoid blockages in the plumbing system, avoiding the liquid from this delicious meat pouring into the drains.

When the grease is hot, it retains its liquid form, which will make any inexperienced person see that the fluid will easily pass through the pipes. But as it cools, it tends to solidify, which is why it could create a serious blockage problem that will require the help of an expensive plumber.

If you don't want to reuse it, you can dispose of it immediately after it has been used for cooking meat for breakfast or lunch. And we at All About Recycle will give you the best tips for effective bacon grease disposal.

Five Ways to Get Rid of Bacon Grease

One of the favorite foods of Americans is bacon. For this reason, the consumption of its meat has increased considerably. Thus, the amount of grease that is generated in the country requires effective methods for its disposal to avoid problems with the environment and, of course, with water pipelines. Here we tell you what to do.

1. Use it as fertilizer

If you mix bacon grease with other plant-based foods, you will surely achieve nutrient-rich fertilizers for the benefit of your plants. But if you pour too much of this liquid you could ruin your gardening work, which is why it is recommended to use it sparingly. Too much grease or meat could attract pests or animals willing to destroy what you have grown in the blink of an eye.

2. Turn bacon grease into a lubricant

One effective way to reuse bacon grease is to use it as a lubricant. If one of the hinges on the door of your house squeaks, add a little of this liquid. Do the same on rusty screws to loosen them and remove them more easily. Its effect will last longer than that of other oils, and it will also prevent unpleasant odors.

3. Pet food

Many people in the United States have chosen to mix bacon grease with their farm animal feed. In this way, they guarantee a higher protein level and a better taste to their meals. It is especially suitable for cows, goats, pigs, and chickens.

4. Hide it

Dig a hole a little deep and pour into it all the bacon fat you have accumulated. Since it is of natural origin, it will not affect the soil. But you should cover it with a lot of earth to prevent the smell from attracting the attention of some animals.

5. Throw it in the trash

Another effective method to get rid of bacon grease that you no longer want to reuse in the kitchen is to throw it in the garbage. But before throwing it in the container, you should pour it into an airtight container, preferably glass. The intention is that the liquid does not spill and contaminate other objects inside the same container destined to be recycled.

What NOT to do with bacon grease

But there are other disposal methods that are frequently used but are not recommended because of the impact it generates on the environment. Therefore, avoid the following practices with bacon grease to avoid problems:

• Flushing bacon grease down the toilet or sink drain, as it could clog the pipes.
• Dumping the liquid into storm drains or ditches. The grease will run into rivers or seas causing high levels of contamination.
• Pour the grease into the container without it being completely airtight.
• Incinerate the liquid from the bacon meat in open fires.
• Dispose of this product in public spaces, whether in parks, beaches, or sidewalks.
• Let the liquid evaporate into the air when exposed to high temperatures.

Recycling: A better option

Recycling bacon grease is a good way to conserve the liquid, reduce damage to the environment and save money. Remember that if it is not disposed of properly, it can cause severe damage, which is why reusing it is still the best option.

This liquid can be recycled and reused in the preparation of other foods. Use it to fry potatoes, to make popcorn, or as a salad dressing. But also, to create handmade products such as candles, perfumes, or soaps.

There is also the option of donating it to farms or companies specializing in the treatment of this type of fat. Surely they will use it to enhance the nutrients in the food of some animals.

But to recycle and reuse you should consider the following steps:

• Cooling: Before pouring the bacon fat into an airtight glass container, wait for it to cool naturally.
• Choose the container where you will pour the liquid: It is best to use a ceramic or glass container. This will prevent the liquid from being contaminated by contact with some chemicals, as it would happen if you transfer it to plastic or aluminum containers.
• Label and date it: It is very important to comply with this procedure since you will know the freshness level of the grease when you want to use it again.
• Keep the fat refrigerated: If you keep bacon fat refrigerated, it will have a shelf life of up to 4 months. Frozen fat could last 1 year. For this reason, it is always essential to put the container in the refrigerator to prevent damage.
• Reuse: Use the fat as many times as necessary and as long as the freshness of the product allows you to do so. What can you use it for? To fry eggs or french fries, to make delicious popcorn, to enhance the flavor of other foods, to make sauces and soups, and to sauté some vegetables.

Disposing of bacon grease is an excellent alternative when you don't want to keep it at home. It will allow you to keep spaces clean and decontaminated. But it is necessary to take precautions during the disposal of this product.

If you pour it down the drain, you are most likely creating the conditions for a future clog. It could be counterproductive to your peace of mind and your wallet, so we recommend recycling and reusing to avoid damage to the environment.