Keep Your Holiday Cooking Sustainable in Jefferson County!
The holiday season is upon us, and as you gear up to whip up those delicious family recipes, have you given much thought to what happens to the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) left over after your culinary creations? No need to worry! Jefferson County has a fantastic program to help you recycle these materials, and it’s completely free for residents.
Why Should You Care?
When you hear the term “recycle,” your mind probably jumps to items like paper and plastic. But hold on a second! Did you know that you can also recycle fats, oils, and grease? That’s right! Pouring these substances down your sink may seem harmless, but according to environmental expert Dana Gray, it can lead to some significant problems.
When FOG goes down the drain, it can congeal and solidify, causing blockages in the water flow. This can ultimately result in sanitary sewer overflows, and you guessed it—expensive repairs that can put a dent in anyone’s holiday budget.
A Solution That’s Simple and Free!
The good news is that Jefferson County offers a grease recycling program that’s easy to access and free for everyone! There are 21 locations throughout the county where you can drop off your used cooking oil and grease. Some of the convenient locations include:
- City Hall
- Local Community Centers
- Various Parks
Since the program began in 2010, Jefferson County has successfully recycled over 43,000 gallons of cooking oil and grease. That’s no small feat! So, while you’re mixing up your holiday treats, remember that recycling your FOG is just as important as collecting those cookie crumbs.
How to Recycle Fats, Oils, and Grease
You might be thinking, “Recycling my cooking grease sounds like a hassle,” but it’s actually incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps to ensure your waste doesn’t clog up the local sewage system:
- Allow the oil or grease to cool and solidify, if applicable.
- Transfer it into a container for easy transport.
- Drop the container off at one of the recycling locations.
And just like that, you’re doing your part for the community and the environment!
What Happens to Your Recycled Grease?
Ever wonder what happens to the grease after you drop it off? Well, the recycling containers are collected by the Grease Control Program Inspectors. They take the FOG to the Shades Valley Wastewater Treatment Complex, where it’s then picked up for recycling by the local rendering company, Birmingham Hide and Tallow. This recycled oil and grease is put to good use, repurposed into everyday essentials like:
- Biodiesel fuel
- Animal feed
- Soap and cosmetics
Join the Movement!
If you’re in Jefferson County, it’s time to make a plan for recycling your cooking oils and grease. Not only does this help keep your local waterways safe, but it also promotes a sustainable way to enjoy the holidays. For more details about the program, you can check out the Jefferson County Environmental Services website or give them a call at 205.238.3876.
So, let’s make this holiday season merrier and more sustainable by taking that extra step to recycle fats, oils, and grease. Happy cooking!
