Grease for Greens and Other Cooking Oil Collection Events Begin Soon
By Traci Peterson, Arlington Water Utilities
Posted on November 15, 2019, November 15, 2019

Arlington Water Utilities and the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department are giving residents several opportunities to protect their home plumbing and prevent sewer backups by recycling used cooking oil this holiday season. The 2019 Holiday Grease Roundup events are in cooperation with the Wastewater and Treatment Education Roundtable, North Central Texas Council of Governments, and other area cities. Here’s how to participate:

  • Take part in Grease for Greens from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Tierra Verde Golf Club, 7005 Golf Club Drive. You’ll be entered to win a free round of golf when you drop off grease. Parks department staff members will recycle and transform used cooking oil into biodiesel for Tierra Verde Golf Club's lawnmower fuel. A raffle will take place for participants to win a free round of golf.
  • Drop off used cooking oil in two receptacles located at Dunlop Park, 1500 NW Green Oaks Blvd., and Vandergriff Park, 2800 S. Center St. The receptacles from American BioSource will be available from Nov. 26 until Jan. 6. Please follow signs in the park.
  • Residents who have more than five gallons of used cooking oil to recycle and cannot attend Grease for Greens can set an appointment for pick-up the week of Dec. 2 by calling 817-459-5902.
  • The Trinity River Authority will also have a used cooking oil receptacle at their Arlington office, 5300 S. Collins St, from Dec. 2 – Jan. 3.

By collecting and recycling this used cooking oil and grease, residents are preventing these products from clogging pipes, which can cause sewage to overflow into homes, streets and local waterways. this can be costly and inconvenient, even if the repair is not in your home. If the sewer overflows, city crews have to shut down streets, tying up traffic and increasing expenses for both residents and the city.

Visit www.defendyourdrainsnorthtexas.com for more information. 

Remember, to reduce overflow and sewer clogs:

  • Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain or garbage disposal. Once it is cooled down, store it in a sealed-container and take it for recycling at a disposal center.
  • Utilize strainers to catch food items and dispose of properly in the trash.
  • Absorb the remaining fats, oils, and grease by wiping the dishes down with an absorbent material and throw into the trash.
  • Compost when possible and then scrape the remaining food, fats, oils, grease and sauces into the trash or sealable containers for recycling.

Grease and other hazardous household waste can be taken to the Environmental Collection Center, 6400 Bridge St., Fort Worth, throughout the year for free disposal. Residents can also utilize the City's monthly collection events. For more information, please visit www.arlington-tx.gov/recycle.

Cooking oil

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