WASHINGTON — The Verify team is sorting fact from fiction, including claims about the holiday season.
We can verify a social media rumor about how much grease a turkey leaves behind, even though we are unable to confirm the best way to cook one for Thanksgiving.
Some users claim youll clog your kitchen pipes if you dump cooking grease down your drain.
User @DaddyWisdom3 tweeted, “Don’t dump cooking grease down the sink unless you want a fatberger-blocked drain in your future.” “.
“I’ve always known to never pour grease or oil down the drain, so my family always kept jars to store it and eventually toss in the trash,” @The_Myvia wrote. “.
The holidays are a time for feasting, and with all that delicious food comes the inevitable leftover grease But what do you do with that greasy mess? Dumping it down the drain is a recipe for disaster, leading to clogged pipes and potential plumbing nightmares.
Fear not, fellow foodies! Here are some creative and eco-friendly ways to dispose of your leftover turkey grease:
1. Reuse the Grease:
- Cooking Companion: Strain and store the grease in a container in the fridge. Use it later to add flavor to soups, stews, or stir-fries.
- Pet Treat: Add a small amount of grease to your dog or cat’s food for a tasty and nutritious boost.
- Bird Feeder Delight: Mix solidified grease with birdseed and place it in a feeder. Birds appreciate the extra calories, especially during cold weather.
2. Recycle and Repurpose:
- Grease Collection: Many communities offer grease recycling programs. Check with your local waste management company for details.
- Biodiesel Production: Some organizations convert used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel, a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels.
- Candle Creations: With a bit of know-how, you can turn leftover grease into unique and eco-friendly candles.
3, Solidify and Dispose:
- Container Conversion: Pour the grease into a disposable container, like a metal can or cardboard milk carton. Let it solidify, then toss it in the trash.
- Paper Towel Power: Soak up the grease with paper towels and dispose of them in the trash.
- Coffee Grounds Combo: Mix the grease with used coffee grounds to create a solid mass that can be composted or thrown away.
4, Professional Solutions:
- Grease Trap Services: Restaurants and businesses often use grease traps to collect and dispose of used cooking oil. Consider hiring a professional service for large quantities of grease.
- Septic Tank Maintenance: If you have a septic system, consult a professional for proper disposal methods to avoid damaging your system.
Remember:
- Never pour hot grease down the drain. Let it cool completely before disposal.
- Avoid mixing grease with other liquids or food scraps. This can make it harder to solidify and dispose of properly.
- Store leftover grease in a sealed container to prevent spills and odors.
By following these tips, you can keep your pipes clean, protect the environment, and even find creative uses for your leftover turkey grease. So go forth, feast without fear, and dispose of your grease responsibly!
Can cooking grease and fat really clog your kitchen pipes and drain?
ANSWER:
We can verify this claim is true, grease and fat can clog your kitchen pipes and drains.
Heres what experts recommend doing instead.
SOURCES:
- Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC Water)
- Clinton Cottrell of Bogans Plumbing has 35 years of experience and has seen his fair share of clogged pipes.
According to Cottrell, grease can accumulate on the pipes’ and drains’ walls, clogging them.
He said that it is hard to get rid of grease and fat once it is inside, so you will probably need to hire a plumber to clean your drains.
WSSC Water agreed. The utility states that the best way to dispose of fats, oils, or grease is to put them in a disposable container, let them cool, and then throw them in the trash later.
To verify that you shouldn’t pour your turkey grease down the drain on Thanksgiving in order to clog your pipes
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