Why you shouldn’t throw the oil down the drain and how to reuse it?

Aware that we have to change our habits to help take care of the planet; We started to recycle, use cloth bags when shopping, get around by bicycle, etc. There are still daily actions that we overlook and are just as important as stopping throwing away the oil kitchenware down the spout and reuse it instead.

Did you know that 1 liter of oil can contaminate 1 million liters of water? This data, from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs of the United Kingdom (DEFRA), confirms the idea that oil is one of the biggest causes of water pollution. That is why we must begin to change our habits.

Disposing of oil down the drain not only has negative effects on the environment, it also affects us in other ways:

– In the pipes, balls of grease can form and thus generate blockages.

– Facilitates the formation of surface films in river waters.

These consequences occur whether small or large quantities are spilled. For this reason, we should not throw away the residues that remain in the pan (and we clean them in the sink) after preparing a frying pan.

What is the best way to reuse used cooking oil?

After frying, wait for the pan to cool down. Once cold, he removes the remains of food. When the oil solidifies, instead of throwing the remains down the drain, pour the used oil into a container (such as a plastic or glass bottle). Once the bottle is full, close it and deposit it at the nearest collection point.

Until 2021, the Municipality of Lima had the Reciclaceite pilot program, to promote the recycling of vegetable oil in Lima Cercado, installing containers in six points of the city. Other municipalities such as Miraflores and Barranco have also installed containers in their districts.

If you have a more creative spirit, you can search the Internet for recipes to make homemade soaps or scented candles.