This is so smart!

Picture this: after a hearty breakfast with crispy bacon, you’re left with a pan full of hot, greasy residue. Many of us have faced the challenge of figuring out the best way to dispose of bacon grease. Pouring it down the drain can cause plumbing issues, and throwing it in the trash can be messy and environmentally unfriendly. My nana, a seasoned home cook, had a foolproof trick that made this often daunting task an effortless one.

Improper disposal of bacon grease can lead to clogged pipes, sewer issues, and environmental hazards. When grease cools down, it solidifies and can create blockages in plumbing systems, leading to costly repairs. Moreover, when it’s disposed of carelessly, it can end up polluting water systems. Proper grease disposal is not only a matter of convenience but also an essential environmental practice.

Typically, people deal with bacon grease by collecting it in a jar or container to use for cooking later or by waiting for it to solidify and then scraping it into the trash. Some might even venture to flush it down the sink with hot water, not realizing the long-term damage they could be causing. Each method has its drawbacks that range from inconvenience and mess to potential harm to plumbing and the environment.

My nana’s method for disposing of bacon grease is incredibly simple and requires virtually no effort. She would always let the grease cool slightly before pouring it into a disposable, heat-resistant container lined with paper towels. Once the paper towels absorbed the grease and solidified, she would simply toss the entire container into the trash. This method eliminates the need for messy jars and minimizes the risk of plumbing issues.