How to dispose of Cooking Oil & Grease in New York

New York rules

NYC accepts cooking oil at special drop-off locations.

General steps

1. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain — it causes clogs and sewer backups.
2. Small amounts: Let cool, absorb with paper towels, and place in regular trash.
3. Large amounts: Pour cooled oil into a sealed container and take to a recycling center.
4. Some restaurants and recycling centers accept used cooking oil for biodiesel production.
5. Solid fats (bacon grease): Scrape into trash after cooling.