Pouring Oil Down the Sink is a Big Mistake: Here's How to Dispose of It Properly

Vilnius residents are making a significant environmental mistake by pouring used cooking oil down the sink, according to VASA communications head Natalija Survila-Glebova. A recent survey revealed that one-third of people still dispose of used oil this way or with other waste.

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Even a tablespoon of oil is harmful to plumbing, so it cannot be poured into the sink.

Survila-Glebova emphasized that even a tablespoon of oil is harmful to plumbing. When it cools and solidifies in pipes, it creates blockages affecting entire buildings and the city's infrastructure. Attempts to clear these with hot water or detergent offer only temporary relief. Clogged pipes can lead to sewage spills, polluting water, reducing oxygen levels, and harming fish and the ecosystem.

Disposing of oil in mixed waste bins is also problematic, as it contaminates other recyclables, hinders processing, and ultimately pollutes the environment. Cooking oil is a distinct waste category requiring special handling, but it is also a valuable raw material for biodiesel production. By sorting it correctly, residents not only prevent damage but also contribute to resource recovery.

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When pipes get clogged, sewage can spill into the environment – this pollutes water, reduces oxygen levels in it, and harms fish and the entire ecosystem.

To facilitate proper disposal, Vilnius has installed 196 new special containers for used cooking oil across the city since July. "We can be proud that we are providing Vilnius residents with clear information on how to sort oil and have created convenient infrastructure to make it easy," said Survila-Glebova. Residents can find the nearest container on the Vasa.lt interactive map. The service, including container maintenance, collection, and processing, is free of charge.

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By sorting oil correctly, we not only avoid damage but also gain benefits.

Sorting is simple: let the oil cool to room temperature after cooking, pour it into a sealable plastic container like a beverage bottle, and then dispose of the entire sealed container in the special collection bin. The container will be washed and sorted later. Survila-Glebova noted that public awareness is growing, with container accessibility being a key factor. Before the new system, only 56% of residents knew oil should be sorted; this figure has improved with the new infrastructure and communication efforts.

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We can be proud that we are providing Vilnius residents with clear information on how to sort oil and have created convenient infrastructure to make it easy.