Donegal restaurants and takeaways have been issued a stern warning after an uptick in the amount of cooking oil not being properly disposed in the county.
Donegal County Council issued the reminder after a number of incidents were reported, where cooking oil had been dumped inappropriately – causing blockages and overflows in the water and sewage systems.
The Council says that amongst the reports of illegal dumping, they include cooking oil being poured over bridges and into rivers, cooking oil being thrown into sewers, and also being poured down the drain.
When buildups of oil create blockages, cleanups can often be costly and also cause environmental damage.
Restaurants and takeaways are being urged to dispose of cooking oil properly, by placing it in a secure container with a lid.
The type of container used depends on how much waste cooking oil the business produces, as some businesses have a designated storage tank, while others use waste buckets, drums or barrels.
Routine collection of used cooking oil by a permitted waste contractor should be organised, according to the Council, to ensure the business meets its duty of care responsibilities, covered by environmental legislation. That permitted waste contractor will then transport the used cooking oil to an appropriate facility for recycling or disposal.
