Frying a turkey this Thanksgiving? How to get rid of grease and oil in Pinellas Co. | News

Planning on frying a turkey this year for Thanksgiving?  Here is how to properly dispose of grease and oils (used or unwanted such as salad dressing, bacon fat, or peanut oil) that you may use.

HOUSEHOLD:

You can drop off liquid cooking oil (no solids) at a local drop-off center to be recycled and turned into biodiesel fuel at these locations:

If you have large amounts of liquid cooking oil (no solids or grease), you can drop-off at a Pinellas County mobile collection or the HEC₃ facility for recycling (free for residents).

• Be sure your container does not exceed 5 gallons in size
• If you are planning on bringing more than 5 gallons, call (464-7500)

If you are wanting to dispose of greast or oil products, put them in the trash, not down the sink!  Pour hot grease or oil into a container such as an empty soup can. When the grease has cooled, place the container into the regular trash. If you use a container you want to keep (such as a mug), transfer the cooled grease to a doubled plastic zip lock bag and throw it into the trash.

BUSINESS:

If you are a business there is a ordinance requiring cleaning of grease traps.  If you need more information you can call Matthew Wotowiec at the Pinellas County Utilities at 582-2341.  These companies are permitted as grease haulers in Pinellas County:

 If you are a restaurant looking to dispose of cooking oil you can contact one the following companies to pick up for recycling:

• FCS in Clearwater (576-1111)
• Griffin Industries in Tampa (813-626-1135)
• Stirling Food Systems in Ocala (800-223-3795).  Must purchase new oil, and a credit for the used oil will be deducted from the purchase price.

NOTE:  Please do NOT pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain!
These substances cause a wax-like buildup, which can clog pipes and lead to sewer backups.

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