The Proper Way to Dispose of Bacon Grease

Bacon isn't just a food; it's a passion. Its rich, salty flavor enhances everything from sandwiches and breakfasts to casseroles, skillet meals, salads, and even cocktails. If you’re not vegetarian, you’re likely cooking up a fair bit of bacon, which means plenty of leftover grease to deal with.

3 Simple Ways to Safely Dispose of Bacon Grease

The good news is, bacon grease is easy to handle because it solidifies as it cools. However, this very quality makes it unsuitable for pouring down the sink—whether or not you have a garbage disposal.

Bacon fat gone bad can cause unpleasant odors and quickly lead to clogs. Avoid adding it, or any animal fat, to your compost as it can attract pests and introduce harmful pathogens. With that in mind, here are a few simple ways to properly dispose of bacon grease.

Leave the Grease in the Pan. Once it cools and solidifies, use a paper towel or rubber spatula to scoop it into the trash. Follow up with a generous amount of grease-fighting dish soap to clean the pan and spatula, ensuring no grease remains and your sink pipes stay clear.

Line a Cup or Sink Drain with Heavy-Duty Foil. Pour the hot grease into the lined area and allow it to cool and harden. If using a cup, you can place it in the freezer to speed up the process. Once solidified, simply wrap the foil around the grease and dispose of it in the trash.

Strain the Warm Grease into a Container like an old juice container, soup can, coffee can, or a take-out carton. Mark the container with the date and “cooking grease – not for recycling” and store it in your fridge for future use.

How to Store Bacon Grease for Later Use

Bacon grease makes a great cooking ingredient. To save it, strain out any bacon bits or debris while it’s still warm and liquid. After straining, transfer it to a sealed plastic container or glass jar with a lid for storage.

Bacon fat can be kept at room temperature, but it's not the best idea if you plan on reusing it. It can go rancid, so always give it a sniff before using. If it smells off, toss it. Storing it in a cold place helps, as it firms up and becomes easier to spoon into a pan for use, just like any other oil.

Find the recipe here: Bacon Gravy for Biscuits

Store your strained bacon fat in the fridge or freezer. In the fridge, it lasts 3-6 months, and in the freezer, it stays good for much longer. Freezing keeps the fat fresher, and since it’s firmer, it’s even easier to handle when you need it.

As you cook more bacon, keep adding the fresh grease to the same container. For this purpose, a medium to large coffee can is perfect, especially if you cook bacon regularly.

Ways to Use Bacon Grease in Cooking

Use bacon grease just like any other cooking oil – after all, what doesn’t taste better with a hint of bacon flavor?

-    Add a spoonful to a skillet and sauté vegetables, greens, or eggs in it.

-    Melt a little and drizzle over greens to make a tasty wilted salad side.

-    Whisk some into a warm dressing, or use it as a flavorful base for bacon gravy.

-    Incorporate it into bread, like cornbread, or even mix it into the butter for added richness.

-    Drizzle over popcorn in place of butter for a savory twist.