Did you know that washing food scraps and grease down kitchen sinks clogs pipes on your property and in the town’s sewer system? 

To keep fats, oils and grease out of the sewer system:

• Discard used grease with other garbage or recycle it.
• Avoid or minimize use of your garbage disposal.
• Scrape plates into trash cans.
• Use paper towels to wipe leftover oils and fats from pots and pans before washing them.

Free Fat Trappers

The town gives free fat trappers to Hillsborough water and sewer customers. Each kit contains a fat trapper container; two foil-lined bags that can withstand temperatures up to 150 degrees; a pan scraper; and a sink strainer. Once a bag is filled, it can be sealed and disposed with garbage.

“The countertop fat trappers are great for storing used cooking fat from beef, chicken, fish and pork,” notes the town’s utilities infrastructure protection supervisor, Troy Miller. “With the ultra-durable foil liners, you do not have to wait until the grease has solidified to pour it in the bag. The bags can be reclosed. They are great for locking out the smell and will not spill.”

To receive a fat trapper kit or additional bags, use the contact form or call Miller at 919-296-9653.

Recycling Kitchen Grease

To recycle used cooking or fryer oil, you can bring up to 15 gallons per visit to an Orange County household hazardous waste collection center. Only liquid oil is accepted. No water, bacon grease or lard is accepted. Visit:

• 1514 Eubanks Road, northwest of Chapel Hill
• 3605 Walnut Grove Church Road, north of Hillsborough

More Information

For more information on the town’s fats, oils and grease program, see the town’s About Wastewater page. 

For information on recycling used oils or the hazardous waste collection center hours, visit Orange County’s Solid Waste Management page or contact Orange County at 919-968-2788 or recycling@orangecountync.gov.