Inappropriate disposal of frying oil can have serious environmental repercussions, so there are specific regulations and sanctions for those who do not respect the correct disposal methods. In Italy, current legislation provides that used vegetable oil must be awarded in a differentiated waythrough collection organized by municipalities or other authorized bodies such as ecological islands, which guarantee its treatment in specialized plants.
AND It is forbidden to throw frying oil into the drains, in sinks or on the ground, as it can cause water pollution, damage sewerage infrastructure and hinder the correct functioning of water purification plants. The sanctions for failure to comply with these provisions can vary significantly depending on the local context, but generally include financial fines and, in serious cases, can lead to criminal sanctions. It is therefore essential that citizens and companies are aware of the rules and consequences related to the disposal of frying oil.
What happens if you throw frying oil down the sink? The legislation
Current legislation provides that all those who do not comply with the Law for the disposal of used oils may incur administrative sanctions ranging from a minimum of €270 to a maximum of €1,550.
In Italy the reference regulatory text is Legislative Decree 22 of 5 February 1997, later merged into Legislative Decree 3 April 2006 n. 152, which prescribes the obligation to collect, recover and recycle vegetable oils and fats and exhausted animals (Waste code: cer code 20.01.25).
Furthermore, it is essential not to confuse frying oil and its disposal practices with those envisaged forindustrial used oil. The latter is considered a dangerous waste: just think that a single liter of oil spilled into the environment can pollute a million liters of water due to the transparent film that is created on the surface of the water which can become potentially harmful to the entire ecosystem.
The ban on throwing oil into drains through the sink drain is valid not only for citizens but also for businesses that are active in the catering sector and therefore produce oil in large quantities. It must be kept in mind that the oil, once it becomes exhausted, absorbs all the pollutants from the carbonisation of various food residues: it is precisely the density of the oxidants that allows this product to float in the sewer waters, causing pollution.
How to dispose of cooking oil?
Once you understand the characteristics of used frying oil and the potential harmful consequences for the environment, it is time to ask yourself how to dispose of cooking oil correctly and without incurring sanctions.
To dispose of it correctly, you need to collect the used frying oil and take it to the nearest recycling center. Here a document is issued certifying the collection of this waste. It is essential to keep these documents as they may be requested by the competent authorities during an inspection: this especially happens in the case of checks at restaurant businesses or those working in the catering sector in various capacities.
How to dispose of frying oil in the main Italian cities
In all Italian cities there are ecological islands where used frying oil is collected.
Where to throw away frying oil in Rome
In Rome, the correct disposal of frying oil is managed through the AMA, the municipal environmental company. Citizens can dispose of used vegetable oil at separate collection centers scattered around the city, where special containers for the oil are available. You can consult the AMA website to find the nearest collection center and opening times. Furthermore, some local initiatives offer the collection of used oil directly from home, further encouraging separate waste collection.
Where to throw away frying oil in Milan
In Milan, residents can rely on the frying oil collection service made available by AMSA. Dedicated containers for used oil are present at various collection points, including ecopoints and ecological stations. Detailed information on locations and times is available on the official AMSA website. The organization also promotes awareness campaigns on the importance of separate oil collection to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
Where to throw away frying oil in Turin
In Turin, the used oil collection system is well organised. Citizens can take frying oil to municipal collection centers, managed by Amiat, part of the Iren group. Each center is equipped with specific containers for frying oil, ensuring correct waste management. The Amiat website offers all the information necessary to locate the nearest collection centers and find out their operating hours.
Where to throw away frying oil in Bologna
In Bologna, Hera manages the frying oil collection and disposal service. Citizens can dispose of their used vegetable oil at the various ecological points distributed throughout the city, where special containers are available. Hera also offers an online information service where it is possible to find the precise locations of the collection points and disposal methods.
Where to throw away frying oil in Verona
The municipality of Verona, through the environmental manager Amia, provides several collection points where citizens can dispose of frying oil. These points are distributed widely throughout the municipal area, thus facilitating access for residents. On the Amia website, you can find a list of all available collection points and opening hours.
Where to throw away frying oil in Naples
In Naples, the collection of used frying oil is coordinated by Asia, the company that deals with urban waste management. Neapolitans can take used oil to waste collection centers, where special containers are set up for storing oil. Asia Naples offers an interactive map of collection centers on its website, making it easier for users to locate the closest point.
