Can you recycle cooking oil and fat?
Small amounts cooled in a sealed container to general waste (or food caddy if your council allows); larger amounts to the recycling centre oil bank — NEVER the sink
Never pour cooking oil, fat or grease down the sink — it causes fatbergs and blocked drains. Small amounts: let it cool and solidify (mix with flour or use a fat trap), seal in a container or tub, and put in general waste — several councils also accept small sealed bottles of oil in food waste, so check locally. Larger amounts (fryer oil) go to the cooking-oil bank at most recycling centres.
Tips
- A jar by the hob collects fat for binning
- Many tips have a dedicated cooking-oil container
- Wipe greasy pans with kitchen roll before washing
Which bin does it go in?
Small amounts cooled in a sealed container to general waste (or food caddy if your council allows); larger amounts to the recycling centre oil bank — NEVER the sink
Check booking, proof-of-address and vehicle rules before travelling.
Background: Batteries, vapes & electricals: the fire-risk items.
Also searched as: used cooking oil, fryer oil, fat and grease, lard.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?