Bacon grease seems like a small deal, but getting rid of it the wrong way can mess up your pipes and stink up your kitchen. Pouring it down the drain? Bad idea. Tossing it while it’s hot? Also risky. Luckily, there are a few easy and mess-free ways to handle it. Whether you want to throw it out or save it for cooking, this guide will walk you through the safest and cleanest ways to dispose of bacon grease.

How to Dispose of Bacon Grease

Bacon grease looks harmless when it’s hot and liquid. But once it cools, it solidifies. That’s bad news for your pipes. Pouring it down the sink, even with a garbage disposal, can cause serious clogs. It also smells terrible when it goes rancid. It doesn’t belong in your compost pile either. Here’s how to dispose of bacon grease the right way:

Method 1: Refrigerate and Toss

This is one of the easiest and cleanest ways to deal with leftover bacon grease. You don’t need anything fancy. All you need is patience and something to pour it into.

1. Let It Cool Slightly

Don’t try to move hot grease right off the stove. It can burn you or melt thin plastic. Let it sit for a few minutes so it remains liquid but is safe to handle. If you wait too long and it starts to harden, you can reheat it just a bit until it loosens up.

2. Pour Into a Container

Grab an old jar, soup can, or take-out container. Make sure it’s heat-safe. Use a funnel or pour slowly to avoid spills. If any bacon bits fall in, that’s okay, unless you’re planning to save them for cooking. Then, you’ll want to strain it.

3. Store It in the Fridge

Stick the container in your fridge and let it sit for a few hours. The cold air will turn the liquid fat into a solid chunk. Once it’s firm, it won’t leak or spill.

4. Toss It in the Trash

After it’s solid, you can toss the whole thing into your trash bin. Make sure the lid is tight or the bag is sealed. You don’t want that greasy smell leaking out later.

Method 2: Freeze It First

Freezing is perfect if you want to speed things up or your fridge is already packed.

1. Pour Into a Bag or Container

Pick a freezer-safe container or a sealable plastic bag. Make sure the grease is cool. Hot grease will melt most plastic bags.

2. Freeze Until Solid

Place it in the freezer for a few hours. The cold will harden the grease faster than the fridge. This is a great method if you’re in a rush to clean up.

3. Trash It

The grease turns solid and mess-free when frozen. Toss it in the garbage and move on. Just make sure the container or bag doesn’t have holes or tears.

Method 3: Absorb and Throw Away

Don’t want to deal with containers at all? This is another option, especially for small amounts of grease.

1. Pick an Absorbent Material

Use clean kitty litter, sand, or even sawdust if you’ve got it. Paper towels work too, but only if there’s just a tiny bit of grease.

2. Mix It with the Grease

Let the grease cool slightly, then pour it into a disposable container with your absorbent stuff. Stir gently so the material soaks it all up. It should look more like a dry mix than a puddle.

3. Bag and Trash It

Scoop the mixture into a trash bag, tie it up, and toss it out. Easy, low-mess, and pipe-safe.

How to Save Bacon Grease for Cooking

Love that smoky, salty flavor? Then save your grease. Here’s how to do it the right way:

1. Strain It

Use a fine mesh strainer, coffee filter, or cheesecloth to catch any crispy bits. These bits can go bad fast, so straining them out helps the grease last longer.

2. Store It

Pour the clean grease into a heat-proof jar or container with a lid. A mason jar is ideal, but anything that seals tightly will do.

3. Refrigerate or Freeze

Store it in the fridge for up to three months. Just don’t forget to date the jar, especially if you’re adding new grease over time. Each time you add to it, the clock resets. When in doubt, toss it and start fresh.

Does Bacon Grease Catch Fire?

Yes, bacon grease can catch fire. When it gets too hot (around 375°F), it can hit its flash point and ignite. You’ll usually see smoke first, which is your warning sign to turn the heat down. Don’t ignore it. Grease fires can start fast, especially if you leave the stove unattended, crank up the heat too quickly, or toss frozen food into hot grease. Even grease splattering out of the pan can start a fire if it lands on the burner.

Whatever you do, never try to put out a grease fire with water. That’ll only make it worse. Instead, turn off the heat and smother the flames with fire prevention tools, like fire blankets and fire sprays. They’re easy to use and can stop a kitchen fire before it gets out of control. It’s a small step that can save your home.

Dos and Don’ts

Disposing of bacon grease seems easy. But if you don’t do it right, it can cause problems for your plumbing and the environment. Here are some dos and don’ts to follow when getting rid of bacon grease:

Dos

• Let the bacon grease cool before handling or disposing of it.
• Use a dedicated, sealable container for storing and throwing away bacon grease.
• Label the container clearly if you’re saving or recycling the grease.
• Check local recycling programs for fat and cooking oil disposal options.

Don’ts

• Don’t pour bacon grease down sinks, toilets, or outdoor drains.
• Don’t put hot grease directly into trash bags. It can cause leaks or fires.
• Don’t add bacon grease to your compost without proper research.
• Don’t mix bacon grease with other household waste, especially flammable materials.

Is It Okay to Pour Bacon Grease Down the Drain?

It is not okay to pour bacon grease down the drain. When it cools, it hardens. That solid grease can stick to your pipes and cause clogs. It might not happen right away, but over time, it builds up and can lead to nasty backups and expensive repairs. Even if it makes it out of your pipes, it can mess up the sewer system and hurt the environment.

Here’s what to do instead: Let the grease cool a bit, then pour it into a container like a jar or old coffee can. Once it’s solid, toss it in the trash. You can also wipe smaller amounts with a paper towel and throw that away.

Bottom line: grease and drains don’t mix. It might seem harmless, but it can cause big problems. Keep your pipes clear and toss the grease properly. It’s an easy habit that saves you a lot of trouble.

What Are You Supposed to Do With Bacon Grease?

Bacon grease isn’t just leftover fat. It’s actually useful. You can cook with it instead of tossing it. It’s great for frying eggs, potatoes, or even roasting veggies. You can also use it to cook meats like chicken or burgers. Some people use it in recipes like fried rice, soups, or quesadillas for extra flavor.

You can also swap bacon grease for butter or oil in things like cornbread, biscuits, or grilled cheese. It adds a smoky, savory taste. Another cool use? Seasoning cast iron pans. It helps keep them in good shape and adds flavor while you cook.

Feeling creative? Try using it in salad dressing, drizzle it on popcorn, or even make fire starters. Just make sure to store bacon grease in a sealed container in the fridge or freezer. Always sniff before using because it can go bad.

Never pour it down the drain. Let it cool, solidify, and toss it in the trash. Your pipes will thank you.

Where Do You Put Leftover Bacon Grease?

Leftover bacon grease doesn’t have to go to waste. If you plan to reuse it for cooking, pour it into a heat-safe, sealed container like a mason jar or an old coffee can. Once it cools, store it in the fridge or freezer. This keeps it fresh and ready to use next time you want to fry eggs, roast veggies, or add a smoky kick to a dish.

You can also use bacon grease as a butter substitute in baking. Think cornbread or biscuits. Some folks even use it to season cast iron pans, grease the grill, or drizzle on popcorn for a savory twist.

If you’re not saving it, don’t pour it down the drain. That’ll just clog your pipes. Instead, let it cool and solidify. Then scoop it into the trash, or wipe it up with a paper towel and toss it.

The key is simple: store it right if you’re reusing it, and toss it properly if you’re not. Either way, your plumbing and your food will thank you.

Is Bacon Grease Bad for Soil?

Yes, bacon grease is bad for soil. Pouring it outside might seem harmless, but it can cause real problems. First, it smells as it breaks down. That stinky odor attracts pests like raccoons, rats, and bugs. You don’t want them in your yard or garden.

Bacon grease also clogs up the soil. It blocks water and air from getting to plant roots, which can hurt or kill your plants. And since it's animal fat, it can carry harmful bacteria, something you don’t want in your compost or near your veggies.

Worse, bacon grease can pollute nearby water sources if it seeps into the ground. It’s harmful for the environment and any wildlife nearby.

Instead, store it in a sealed container and toss it in the trash once it solidifies. Or reuse it in cooking if you want. Just don’t dump it in the dirt.

Is It Okay to Leave Bacon Grease on the Counter?

It’s not okay to leave bacon grease on the counter. While some people do it, food safety experts recommend storing it in the fridge. At room temperature, it can go rancid over time, especially if it’s not stored properly.

If you do leave it out, make sure it’s in a clean, sealed container and strain out any bits of food. Still, it’s safer to keep it in the fridge, where it lasts longer and stays fresh. You can also freeze it if you want to store it even longer.

Where Do You Dump Bacon Grease While Camping?

Don’t dump bacon grease on the ground or down any drain when camping. It can attract animals, smell bad, and pollute nearby water sources. The best move is to let it cool and solidify. You can use a small foil bowl or a dedicated container. Once it’s solid, dispose of it in the nearest bin.

If you're in the backcountry or don’t have a trash can, pour the cooled grease into a sealable container, like an old plastic bottle, and pack it out with the rest of your garbage.

Bacon grease also makes a great fire starter. Just pour a little on a kindling or a paper towel and light it up. It’s a smart way to reuse it without waste.

So, whether you're hiking deep in the woods or just chilling at a campsite, always handle bacon grease the right way. Your campsite and nature will thank you.

Conclusion

Getting rid of bacon grease doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just avoid the drain, let it cool, and choose a method that works for you: refrigerate it, freeze it, or soak it up. You can even save it for cooking if you’re into that rich, smoky flavor. And don’t forget, hot grease is a risk, so keep fire prevention tools like fire blankets and fire sprays nearby. A little care keeps your kitchen safe and your pipes clear.

Do you want reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable tools to put out bacon grease fires before they spread? Check out Prepared Hero’s fire prevention tools here, and get up to 51% off on certain items. Stay prepared, hero!