Styria addresses improper used cooking oil disposal

In Styria, Austria, approximately two-thirds of used cooking oil and fats from households are disposed of incorrectly, often being poured down drains or toilets. This practice causes significant damage to the sewage system, as oils and fats accumulate on the inner walls of pipes and combine with other substances to form stubborn deposits. The resulting costs for cleaning, maintenance, and repairs are ultimately passed on to taxpayers through sewage fees.

Proper disposal involves allowing used oil to cool completely, transferring it to a clean plastic bottle or a designated container, and bringing it to a collection point. Styria offers over 800 collection opportunities, including resource parks, Münzer collection boxes, and automated collection machines in selected SPAR markets.

Correctly collected oil is highly valuable for recycling; one kilogram of used cooking oil can produce nearly one kilogram of biodiesel, which saves approximately three kilograms of CO2 compared to fossil diesel. Additionally, these fats can be repurposed for products such as liquid soaps and detergents.