How to recycle your cooking grease this holiday season in Jefferson County

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Dispose of your fried turkey grease this holiday season in Birmingham. (“Marine Cook” by Bonesaw 0311 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)

Is cooking on your holiday to-do list this year? Before you reach for those delicious family recipes, make sure you have a plan for disposing of fats, oils and grease. 

If you’re unsure how to prepare, we’ve collected some tips from Jefferson County Environmental Services expert Dana Gray on how to dispose of these substances for free and why it’s so important.

Why you should recycle fats, oils + grease

Make sure you recycle your cooking grease this season. (Jefferson County)

When you hear the word “recycle”, you likely think of things like paper and plastic. But you can also recycle fats, oils and grease.  

According to Gray, when these substances are dumped down drains, they congeal, solidify and restrict water flow in pipes. This can lead to sanitary sewer overflow and expensive repairs.

The good news? You can help keep our sewers free from clogs and extensive damage by utilizing Jefferson County’s grease recycling program. 

It’s available at 21 locations across the county and it’s free for residents.

Some locations can be found in:

• Bessemer
• Center Point
• Downtown Birmingham
• Gardendale
• Homewood
• Pinson
• Trussville

Fun fact: Since 2010, Jefferson County has recycled over 43,000 gallons of cooking oil and grease. 

How to recycle your fats, oils + grease in Jefferson County

Pick up a free container to recycle your cooking grease this holiday season. (Jefferson County)

Recycling fats, oils and grease may sound like extra work, but it’s actually really easy to do. Just follow these steps:

• Visit one of the recycling locations throughout Jefferson County. 
• Grab a free plastic gallon jug with a sealable lid for your grease—no glass allowed. 
• When done cooking, let your grease oil cool + pour it into your jug. (Tip: Stop pouring when the container is about three-fourths of the way full to avoid spills).
• Drop off your container at the recycling center. 
• While you’re there, grab another container + do it again!

What happens to your recycled grease?

According to Gray, recycling containers are collected by Grease Control Program Inspectors, consolidated at the Shades Valley Wastewater Treatment Complex and then picked up for recycling by local rendering company Birmingham Hide and Tallow. 

Recycled oil and grease can then be repurposed into some everyday essentials, like:

• Candles
• Cleaning products
• Makeup
• Rubber
• Soap

For more information on Jefferson County’s grease recycling program, visit their website or call 205.238.3876.

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