Dealing with bacon grease requires proper disposal to avoid clogging drains and causing environmental issues. Here are some safe and eco-friendly ways to handle bacon grease:
Allow it to Solidify: After cooking bacon, let the grease cool and solidify in the pan or a heat-resistant container. Once solid, you can scrape it into a compost bin, trash bag, or store it for later use.
Strain and Store: If you want to save bacon grease for future cooking, strain the cooled grease through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any bacon bits. Store it in an airtight container or a jar with a lid in the refrigerator. Properly stored, bacon grease can last for several weeks. If you do this often, you should consider getting a bacon grease container that makes straining and storing easy.
Reuse in Cooking: Bacon grease adds a delicious flavor to various dishes. You can use it to sauté vegetables, fry eggs, or even add a smoky touch to your recipes. Just be mindful of using it in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.
Compost: If your local compost facility accepts fats and oils, you can compost small amounts of cooled bacon grease along with other compostable materials.
Freezing: Another option is to freeze small amounts of bacon grease in an ice cube tray. Once solidified, transfer the cubes to a sealed container and keep them in the freezer. This way, you can use small portions of bacon grease when needed.
Dispose in Solid Waste: If none of the above options are available or appropriate, dispose of the cooled, solidified bacon grease in the regular solid waste/trash. Be sure to place it in a sealed container to prevent leakage.
Most importantly, it is essential not to pour bacon grease down the sink or toilet, as it can solidify in the pipes and cause blockages, leading to costly plumbing problems.