After seasoning cookware, you should not dump the excess oil outside or down the drain. Properly disposing of excess oil is essential to avoid environmental pollution and clogging in drainage systems. Here's what you can do with the excess oil after seasoning your cookware:
Reuse the oil: If the oil used for seasoning is still in good condition, you can strain it to remove any food particles and store it in a clean, airtight container for future use. Labeled and properly stored, the oil can be used for seasoning other cookware or for general cooking purposes.
Dispose of it in the trash: If you don't want to reuse the oil, allow it to cool down and then transfer it to a disposable container with a secure lid. You can then dispose of the container with the solid waste in the regular trash.
Recycle the oil: Some areas have facilities that accept used cooking oil for recycling. Check with your local recycling centers or waste management facilities to see if they provide a collection service for used cooking oil. Recycled cooking oil can be turned into biofuel or used for other industrial purposes.
Composting (in small amounts): In some cases, small amounts of vegetable-based oils can be added to a compost pile, but this should be done sparingly and only if your composting system can handle it. Avoid adding large quantities of oil, as it can disrupt the composting process and lead to an unpleasant smell.
Remember never to pour cooking oil down the sink or toilet, as it can solidify and cause clogs in the plumbing system, leading to expensive and environmentally harmful problems. If you're uncertain about how to dispose of used cooking oil in your area, check with your local waste management authority for guidelines and recommendations.