Q.: Is there any way to dispose of five gallons of used cooking oil? I deep-fried a Christmas turkey and want to get rid of the oil in an environmentally safe way.
— R.P., Akron
A.: You can reuse oil from deep-frying a turkey, provided it was properly stored. According to the National Turkey Federation, after frying, the oil needs to be strained, filtered and cooled. Then put it in a covered container and refrigerate or freeze it so that it won’t go rancid. The oil will thicken, but will return to its original consistency when reheated, and any cloudiness will clear up as well with reheating. The oil may remain in the refrigerator for several months or until signs of deterioration begin.
According to the Texas Peanut Producers Board, peanut oil, the most common oil for frying a turkey, may be used three or four times to fry turkeys before signs of deterioration begin. Such indications include foaming, darkening or smoking excessively, indicating the oil must be discarded. Other signs of deteriorated oil include a rancid smell and/or failure to bubble when food is added.
If you don’t want to reuse it, used cooking oil is welcomed by rendering facilities. In fact, most restaurants save their used cooking grease and sell it to these facilities. A restaurant owner or manager may be willing to take it off your hands if you ask.
If you don’t have luck with that, Troy Julian, one of the owners of F.W. Renner & Sons, 1866 Sherrick Road, Canton, 330-453-1107, said his company is happy to accept cooking grease. Renner collects used grease and other items from restaurants and grocery stores and renders them at its plant, which has been in operation since 1894. Julian said the company doesn’t collect from households, but will take the grease if you drop it off at the plant.
Got a food question? Lisa Abraham has the answer. Call 330-996-3737; email her at labraham@thebeaconjournal.com with “Ask Lisa” in the subject line; or write to her at 44 E. Exchange St., P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640. Include your name, hometown and phone number.
