Cleaning a grill is not the easiest task. It requires some elbow grease and sometimes takes more than one round to clean it. But- do you ever wonder how to correctly dispose of all that hamburger grease after cleaning your grill?
Hamburger grease needs to be disposed of in a sealable throw-away container or plastic in the trash after scraping it off the grill. Leave it in the fridge till you can take out the trash and secure it in a sealable plastic bag for added protection if it melts.
It is essential to follow the correct steps when disposing of hamburger grease from the grill because you don’t want it to create a mess in the trash or anywhere else you place it. We will look at how to get rid of it, including what you should and shouldn’t do with the hamburger grease.
The Best Way To Dispose Of Hamburger Grease From The Grill
There are a few ways to dispose of grease from the grill. However, it is necessary to follow the proper disposal method and prevent leakage or problems in your home and the environment.
Here are the steps to correctly disposing of hamburger grease from the grill:
- Let the grease solidify on the grill – as it cools, it becomes solid.
- Scrape it into a throw-away container such as a plastic container, an empty used metal can, or a sealable plastic bag.
- If it is not solid, place it in the fridge or leave it at room temperature to solidify.
- Close the container by sealing it with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid if it has one.
- Place the container in a sealable plastic to avoid leakage and messing if the grease melts.
- Toss it into the trash.
Note: If you want to be extra safe, you can add a couple of paper towels with the grease so if it does start to melt, the paper towel will absorb a lot of it, and that will help to prevent leakage.
Why Should Hamburger Grease Solidify Before Disposal?
It is crucial to ensure your hamburger grease solidifies before disposing of it. If it is liquid, it can leak out and make a massive mess in the trash. In addition, it can cause insect infestation, bacteria, and smell. That is why you need to enclose it in a sealable container or plastic.
When you throw the grease in the trash, it can quickly melt in different conditions. For example, a trash can or rubbish bin can be humid, and if it is outside in the sun, it can get really hot. So the grease will melt in those situations and leak out of the large garbage bags.
It is essential to dispose of hamburger grease when it is solid and adequately sealed closed to be safe and respectful to the environment and other humans or animals who may be exposed to the trash.
Can You Pour Hamburger Grease Down The Sink?
You should never pour your hamburger grease (or any grease) down the sink. It is a scenario that should never be acceptable. Grease does not mix with water, so it will sit on top of the water in the pipes and cause blockage. It can also coat the pipes and, over time, create a lot of buildups.
By pouring grease down your sink, you can negatively affect your home’s sewer system with plumping issues, and if you live in an apartment building, you can also cause problems for your neighbors. Grease should always be placed in the trash.
Can You Dispose of Hamburger Grease In The Yard?
Disposing your hamburger grease from the grill in the yard seems like an acceptable idea because the grill is typically in the yard, and it would be easy to just pour or throw it out there. However, that concept is majorly faulted, and it is not acceptable.
When you dispose of grease outside, it usually ends up in drains. That is extremely bad for sewer systems because it causes clogs and coats the pipes. It is also bad for the environment and can destroy plants and grass and stain your pavement.
Additionally, the grease can be harmful to animals and other wildlife that come across the grease and try to eat it. They are easily attracted to it because of the smell, and trying to eat or lick it can cause them health issues.
Can You Pour Hamburger Grease Down The Garbage Disposal?
You should avoid pouring grease down the garbage disposal. It can cause similar issues like pouring it down the sink drain. The grease can clog the pipes. The local wastewater mains can also get damaged. It can cause your garbage disposal to stop working effectively and create bad smells.
Once there is grease in your pipes, it is not easy to get it cleaned and get rid of the oiliness, coating, and clogging entirely. A little bit of hamburger grease can cause a whole lot of problems.
Use A Disposal System For Hamburger Grease
If you are a regular griller or use a lot of oil and butter in your home that needs getting rid of from time to time, you can purchase a grease disposal system.
When you grill burgers, add the grease to the grease disposal bags. It holds around 32 oz of oil in a plastic receptacle bag lined with foil. You can keep adding grease until the bag is filled and then toss it into the garbage.
Can You Reuse Hamburger Grease From The Grill?
It might seem like an easy idea to reuse your hamburger grease drippings for other recipes – and it typically is. For example, you can get the best-caramelized onions and most delicious roasted potatoes using grease drippings from hamburgers; however, your grill should be sparkly clean before cooking the burgers.
The grill can have bacteria and dirt on it, and sometimes drippings and juices from other meats and marinades from the previous grilling, which will make it unsafe to collect the hamburger grease and recycle it. If it is in your plan to do that, make sure to clean your grill well before grilling your burgers.
Additionally, remember to strain the drippings through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate any food particles. You can store the grease in a glass jar and use it as needed.
Final Word
The best and most recommended method to correctly disposing hamburger grease from the grill is by placing it in a sealable container, then in a plastic bag for extra protection from leakages, and then throwing it into the trash.
Related Articles
- How to Smoke Hamburgers on a Pit Boss?
- Can You Use Cube Steak for Burgers?
- What Can I Do With Old Hamburger Grease?
- How to Keep Burgers From Sticking to the Grill?
- What Cut of Meat Do You Grind for Hamburger?
- Why Does Hamburger Meat Turn White?
Sources
https://www.epa.gov/emergency-response/vegetable-oils-and-animal-fats