Many Texans reach for the fryer to prepare their holiday feasts. But improperly disposing of used oil can cause serious problems.
Frying a turkey generally creates three to five gallons of leftover oil. In order to safely use this oil again it must be refrigerated or frozen. Many people toss it in with the trash, but this results in an unsightly trail of oil leaking along roadways as it is compacted in the garbage truck…not to mention the cleanup involved to keep it out of storm drains! Pouring it down the sink drain puts a burden on the wastewater treatment plant.
"Don’t ever pour oil - or anything else - down the storm drain," urges Donna Kliewer, City of Allen waste services manager. "There are no filters or disinfecting processes in the storm drain system. Whatever goes in the curb inlet goes straight to our creeks causing contamination problems and can result in a hefty fine."
For a safe and easy alternative, call the Community Services Department at 214.509.3100 to schedule a free collection at your home. The oil will be picked up through the HHW program and recycled. Cooking oil must be labeled, contained in rigid plastic containers, and secured with screw top lids for transporting.