Are there any uses for the fat that is drained off of hamburger, for example?

Question

We are always pouring it into a sealed can and when it is full it goes out with the garbage. Is there any use or possible use for this stuff?

Answer 1

Obviously any type of fat could be well used to fire the furnaces to generate electricity.
However, to organize the pick-up and the processing of waste grease and fats would be quite expensive. Without the political will and corresponding legislation it will be impossible, as long as importing crude oil is much cheaper.

Answer 2

If you live in Philadelphia, there is a new company that is converting all the grease that restaurants produce into biofuel.

Normally, it is stored in a holding tank and, every so often, some poor schmuck comes by with a truck and sucks it all out and off it goes to the solid waste handling facility. A job like that is sure to cure you of your hamburger habit.

Now this company is taking that junk and, with a little help from chemistry, is converting it to usable fuel. So far, it's not feasible, but if you're in the area, maybe they'll take your meager offering.

Of course, long term, I think we need to get away from carbon based fuels. But what the heck do I know?

Answer 3

I know that lye soap can be made from beef fat. It might not be practical in the situation you are talking about though, because it has to be clean. It is possible to clean the fat yourself, though. Try a soap making website (I can't remember the exact process to clean the fat.) if you are interested in trying it.

Also, depending on how long it takes to fill the can, the fat might be rancid by the time you have enough for a batch of soap. You could store the can in the freezer to keep it fresher, I would think.

Answer 4

It could probably be used for flavoring and for frying meat or potatoes but think about it. The reason you drain it off hamburger is because the stuff is deadly.In the garbage is where it belongs!

Answer 5

actually there is. here in america, it is recycled into biodiesel. some vehicles run on this kind of fuel. other than that there is no use for it. you put into a sealed can or container for enviromental purpose. because supposedly you cannot dispose used oil through regular grabage disposal. it has to be separated from the rest of the garbage. and also you cannot reuse used oil for frying foods, because latest study reveals that this is one of the leading source of cancerous cells. and besides you dont want to have mixed flavors on your french fries. maybe we can use it as a massage oil! :)

Answer 6

While stinky, it can be degraded in compost in small quantities.

Also in small quantities, it can be a bio-diesel fuel, though that is on balance is a typically a vegetable-based oil.

It can be useful as hair gel, bait, a disgusting personal lubricant, or a refreshing beverage for dogs.

It is sadly a very limited commodity with respect to alternative uses. The good news is it breaks down easily and doesn't persist in the environment.

Answer 7

Yup. Cooking french fries.

But if you're into a burger and fries diet, I've read articles indicating that it's actually cheaper (budget wise) to go to a fast food restaurant.

Answer 8

well since you are pouring it off I am guessing you dont want it in your food...The only use I can think for it is for food...for instance to flavor rice...to use in soups...stir fry veggies...

I love cooking you need any other recipes for it let me know :o)

Answer 9

makes good seed balls to feed birds

Answer 10

weed killer