Water Pollution Control District offers turkey grease collection

Joe Nikic

Those wishing to get rid of their leftover oil and grease from Thanksgiving can do so by giving it to the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District.

The district announced last Friday that it will be collecting leftover Thanksgiving cooking oil was part of the district’s Food to Fuel program.

“Flushing cooking oil or pouring liquid fat and grease down the drain negatively impacts both homeowners’ and district sewer pipes,” Commissioner Steve Reiter said. “These fatty compounds not only stick to the interiors of the sewer pipes in your homes and businesses, but also the pipes under the street.”

The cooking oil, once collected by the district, will be converted into biofuel that can be used in district diesel vehicles and generators, the district said.

Residents and businesses can bring leftover oil to the district facility at 236 East Shore Road in Great Neck or schedule a free at-home cooking oil and grease pick-up by calling the district.  

Scheduled pick-ups will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Excess oils can be found in meat fat, cooking oils and marinades, the district said.

The district said when people pour these items down a sink drain or flush them down the toilet, they stick to the inside of sewer pipes, reducing the space in the pipe and causing blockage, which the district said it wants to stop.

“Knowing how to properly dispose of used cooking oil plays a significant role in protecting our environment,” said Commissioner Deena Lesser. “The district’s Food to Fuel program helps enable the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of grease disposal.”

When cooking is complete, and after the oil cools, the district said all excess grease and oil should be placed in a sealable container.  

At pick-up, district staff will pour the oil from the deep fryer and other containers into their collection vessel.

For additional information or questions regarding the district’s Food to Fuel program, contact the district office at 516-482-0238.

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