Defeat the scourge of cooking fat for free-flowing pipes | Tenant news

We’ve all been there - you’ve just cooked a delicious meal and now you’re left with a pan of leftover oil or congealed meat fats… what do you do with it?

It’s tempting to just pour it down the sink, but that little decision can lead to bigger problems, affecting not only your home but your neighbours as well.

While it might seem harmless, pouring fat, oil, and grease down the drain, even if you’ve it’s combined with washing up liquid can cause blockages in the plumbing, leading to slow drains, nasty smells, or even flooding.

Why it’s a problem

When fats cool, they harden and cause blockages in pipes. Even if it seems like a small amount, these little bits add up and combine with other solid waste leading to bigger issues down the line in the form of Fat Bergs.

If you share plumbing with other tenants, your seemingly harmless fat disposal might end up affecting everyone. That’s why it’s important to properly dispose of all cooking fat.

So, what can you do to dispose of fat without making a mess? Here’s a simple guide.

How to dispose of fat

1. Let it cool: It makes things easier and safer, and you won’t risk splattering hot fat everywhere.
2. Scrape and dispose: if its solid at room temperature, scrape your leftover fat into a tissue and pop it in your bin or food waste cady if you use one.
3. Use a container: Instead of pouring fat down the sink, if it’s still liquid at room temperature pour it into an old jar, can, or carton. Once it’s full, seal it up and toss it in the bin. It’s easy, and it prevents messes.
4. Recycle if you can: Alternatively, one you have a full jar or two, check if your local recycling centre will accept it. It’s a great eco-friendly option and it could end up being turned into green fuel.
5. Avoid flushing: Never ever flush cooking fat down the loo. It can lead to clogs and cause problems in the sewage system. Stick with the container method instead.

No one wants to deal with a slow drain or unpleasant smells. By using one of the methods above, you’ll keep things running smoothly for everyone.

If you notice any issues with your drain, you can report it via the My Habinteg portal or call Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 or email them at direct@habinteg.org.uk. 


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