Recycling in Richardson isn’t just for cans, bottles and paper. Each year following the Thanksgiving holiday, residents are encouraged to drop off used cooking oil at select locations as part of the City’s annual “Cease the Grease” event. The oil is then recycled into biofuels (such as biodiesel and biogas) by Texas-based American BioSource. This year’s event, held Nov.24 -Dec. 4, generated around 260 gallons of used cooking oil and solid grease. 

Richardson’s Health Department coordinates the free collection each year to help divert leftover holiday cooking oil and grease from being poured down kitchen drains, which can create buildup in sewer pipes and cause unwanted wastewater backup.   

How to prevent damage to your plumbing year round. 

DON’T 

  • Pour fat, oils and grease down the drain, even in small quantities. 
  • Use hot water to push the cooking oils through plumbing pipes. 
  • Toss food scraps down the drain. 

DO 

  • Place oil and grease in sealable collection containers and dispose of properly. 
  • Avoid using the garbage disposal by scraping food scraps into trash cans. 
  • Prewash dishes and pans with cold water before putting them into the dishwasher. 

More information: Fats, Oil & Grease (FOG) | Richardson, TX (cor.net)