Warning over pouring turkey fat down the sink at Christmas

Families are being warned to dispose of cooking fats, oils and greases responsibly to avoid blocked pipes.
Warning over pouring turkey fat down the sink at Christmas

By Jordan Reynolds, PA

Families are being urged not to pour turkey fat down the sink this Christmas – or risk flooding their homes.

Families are advised to dispose of cooking fats, oils and greases responsibly to avoid blocked pipes, property damage and harm to the environment.

Fats, oils and greases poured down the sink or drain harden in cold pipes.

They combine with wet wipes and other unflushable items to create ‘fatbergs’ which block sewer pipes, leading to sewage flooding homes and streets, and pollution in waterways. They can also block pipes in homes.

Fatberg in a London sewer
A fatberg in a sewer (Thames Water/PA)

Tips on how to responsibly dispose of fats, oils and grease include:

– Allow them to cool and wipe away with kitchen towel and place in the bin.

– Cooled oils can be poured into a heatproof container, then placed in the bin.

– Pour into a pot and use again to cook another meal.

– Use a sink strainer to catch greasy food scraps.

More in this section

Travel trends for 2025 revealed Taxpayer on the hook for €444,412 in claims over collapse of Platinum Travel
Ryanair appear before transport committee Ryanair's Michael O'Leary receives pay-package of €3.83m for 2025
1989 police probe into murder of John Devine ‘seriously defective’ – Ombudsman 1989 police probe into murder of John Devine ‘seriously defective’ – Ombudsman

Sponsored Content

Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event  Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event 
Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival  Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival 
How to get involved in Bike Week 2025 How to get involved in Bike Week 2025
Us Cookie Policy and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more