Sewer District Collects Thanksgiving Turkey Grease and Oil

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is continuing its annual policy of collecting used cooking oil left over from Thanksgiving, such as oil from turkey deep-fryers. District Residents and businesses may schedule a free at-home cooking oil and grease pick-up by calling the District at (516) 482-0238. Scheduled pick-ups will take place the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Non-district residents and residents may drop off oil and grease at the District’s 236 East Shore Road location in Great Neck between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday, November 21 to Friday, November 25, excluding Thanksgiving Day.

“Flushing cooking oil or pouring liquid fat and grease down the drain negatively impacts the entire sewer collection system,” said GNWPCD Commissioner Steve Reiter. “These fatty compounds not only stick to the interiors of pipes in your homes and businesses but also to the District’s pipes under the street.”

Excess grease and oils can be found in meat fats, cooking oils and marinades, which are used in cooking more often during the holiday season. Other problem substances include shortening, butter, margarine and dairy products. When fats, cooking oil and grease are poured into a sink drain or flushed down a toilet, they congeal and reduce the inside diameter of homeowners’ pipes causing buildup and eventual blockages causing expensive repairs.

“Knowing how to properly dispose of used cooking oil plays a significant role in protecting our environment,” said GNWPCD Commissioner Jerry Landsberg. “The District’s collection program helps enable the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of grease and cooking oil disposal.”

When cooking is complete after the oil cools, the District advises collecting all excess grease and oil in a sealable container. When the pick-up occurs, District staff will pour the oil from your deep fryer and other containers into our collection vessel.

For additional information or questions regarding the District’s Food to Fuel program, contact the District office at (516) 482-0238 or online at http://www.gnwpcd.net.

About the GNWPCD

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District (GNWPCD) is a commissioner-run Special Improvement District within the Town of North Hempstead. The GNWPCD has provided sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914, and currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock, Kensington, and those parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road; as well as all unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Rail Road and a part of Manhasset. The GNWPCD's mission is to protect our bay, the environment and the health of our society.