Cary implements residential cooking oil curbside collection

The Town of Cary is now offering a disposal option for residential waste cooking oils. The program is the first of its kind known in the state and is aimed at reducing sewer blockages/over flows, accidental spills and disposals in landfills.

Those wanting to participate in the program should follow these steps:

• Place waste cooking oils/grease in a sealable food container (no glass, please) such as the original container, a coffee can, or a soda bottle.
• Label container "waste cooking oil", and secure the cap/lid to prevent spillage.
• Call 919-469-4090 to schedule a pick up for a minimum 1/2 gallon waste oils/grease.
• Place waste cooking oil at the curb by 7 a.m. on day of scheduled collection.

The program follows a two-month pilot that the town conducted from November through January to discourage improper disposal of cooking fats, oils and grease (FOG) in the sanitary sewer system.

FOG contributed to 16 sewer overflows in 2006, six overflows in 2007 and nine sewer overflows in 2008 in Cary.

Oils collected curbside will be transported to the town’s public works and utilities operation center for pick-up by an area commercial bio-diesel producer. The sealable containers will be recycled whenever possible.