What to do with used cooking oil after Thanksgiving? UK wants it for research, recycling
If you’re frying a turkey this Thanksgiving, don’t throw your used cooking oil away — instead, you can recycle it at the Gobble Grease Toss on Friday.
Used cooking oil will be collected at Redwood Cooperative School on Friday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The University of Kentucky will then use some of that oil for biofuel research, and recycle what they cannot use.
Cooking oil should not be poured down sink drains because it can clog pipes in your home and the city’s sewer system. The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) will collect the used oil, using some for biofuel research. Kelley Green Biofuel will recycle the remainder of the cooking oil, according to UK.
To recycle cooking oil, place it in a disposable container with a lid in your trunk. After arriving at Redwood, stay in your car and pop your trunk. A volunteer will remove the oil. Organizers ask that businesses do not participate in the event.
UK CAER researches “the conversion of fats, oils and greases to fuel-like hydrocarbons,” said Eduardo Santillan-Jimenez, program manager with CAER and adjunct assistant professor in the UK College of Arts and Sciences Department of Chemistry.
UK CAER focuses its research on “the optimal use of Kentucky’s and the nation’s energy resources,” according to the center’s website. Along with biofuel research, they also conduct research on fossil fuels, clean fuels and chemicals, and materials technologies.
“The Gobble Grease Toss connects our research to the community by giving us access to used oil from people’s homes,” Santillan-Jimenez said. “The partnership with Kelley Green Biofuel ensures that the entirety of the oil collected is converted to fuel since CAER’s processing capacity is limited.”
On Friday, members of Redwood’s student leadership team will help collect the oil, said Head of Redwood Sarah Cummins.
“Environmental literacy is a key tenet of our school principles, and this event provides another way for our students to learn about clean energy and environmental sustainability,” Cummins said. “They are learning that our daily choices have an impact on the environment and their future.”
Event details
Where: Redwood Cooperative School, 116 Crestwood Drive
When: Friday, Nov. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What to do: Place used cooking oil in a disposable container with a lid in your trunk. Stay in your car after arriving, and a volunteer will remove the oil from your car.