Great Neck sewer district initiative to collect leftover grease

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District will once again collect used cooking oil from residents with leftover grease from Thanksgiving meals.
This is the 10th consecutive year that the sewer district will  offer the program to residents.
“Flushing cooking oil or pouring liquid fat and grease down the drain negatively impacts the entire sewer collection system,” district Commissioner Steve Reiter said. “These fatty compounds not only stick to the interiors of pipes in your homes and businesses but also to the district’s pipes under the street.”
Residents and businesses can schedule a free pickup by calling the district.
Scheduled pickups are set to take place on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
District officials said excess grease and oils can be found in meat fats, cooking oils and marinades.
Other problem substances include margarine, butter and other dairy products.
When fats, cooking oil and grease are flushed down a toilet or poured into a sink drain, officials said, they clot and reduce the diameter inside a homeowners’ pipes, which causes blockages that are expensive to repair.
“Knowing how to properly dispose of used cooking oil plays a significant role in protecting our environment,” district Commissioner Jerry Landsberg said. “The district’s collection program helps enable the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of grease and cooking oil disposal.”
Officials said that after cooking is completed and the oils cool down, the liquids should be placed in a sealable container.
Upon collection, district staff will pour the oil into a collection vessel.
The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District is located at 236 East Shore Road and serves the villages of Great Neck, Great Neck Plaza, Kensington, Thomaston and Saddle Rock as well as parts of Manhasset.
For additional information or questions regarding the district’s Food to Fuel program, or to schedule an oil pickup, contact the district office at 516-482-0238.