LifestyleFood & DrinkFoodAnd it's not the food waste bin as many people assume.08:27, 15 Jun 2026For those who frequently cook at home, there's one specific kitchen by-product that can prove quite problematic if not managed correctly. Leftover cooking oil can be difficult to dispose of, particularly when you've accumulated a considerable quantity.‌It's commonly known that it should never be poured down the sink under any conditions, as it can harden quickly and cause blockages that are costly to repair. You may think that placing it in the food waste container is the sensible answer. Yet, according to one waste collector on social media, this method is actually incorrect too.‌The No1 Binman on TikTok, a self-proclaimed 'binfluencer', frequently shares helpful material for Britons to learn which items are suitable for disposal and which aren't. Most of his material addresses questions he's been sent, and he recently tackled the debate surrounding the correct disposal technique for leftover cooking oil, reports WalesOnline.‌How to correctly dispose of used cooking oilTipping it down the sink is the obviously wrong choice, but according to the specialist, the food waste container is inappropriate as well. He stated: "Used cooking oil should go in your general waste. Do not put it in the food waste, and definitely not the recycling bin."‌The specialist explained that you shouldn't pour the oil directly into the bin, as this might cause issues with the bag. He advised: "If you can, put it in a container or something that can't be recycled and then put it in your general waste. It stops it from going anywhere in case a bag splits."A carton or jar makes for a perfect container, and make sure it has a tight-fitting lid too. However, the refuse collector highlighted one notable exception to this rule.He explained: "If you've got loads of it, like commercial, then no, it doesn't go in your general bin. You'd have to either contact your council or get someone else to come and collect it. But if it's just like a normal family-sized amount of cooking oil, then it'll just go in your general waste."Article continues belowFor those looking to get even more use out of their leftover cooking oil, experts at Zero Waste Scotland have put forward some simple recycling alternatives. It can be applied to your garden shed or fence as a substitute for creosote, as it won't discolour the wood and is completely safe to use around both animals and plants. Alternatively, you can turn cooking fat from chicken or bacon into a tasty treat for garden birds. Simply pour it into a suitable container, mix in bird seeds and nuts, leave it to set firm, then hang it outside for the birds to tuck into.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌EnvironmentFood