Pima County wastewater department in Arizona prepares for 21st annual grease-collection event

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department has held an annual grease-collection drive since 2005. (Photo: Pima County, Arizona)

For many people, the winter holidays end with New Year’s Day.  

But for the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department in Arizona, the festivities aren’t over just yet.  

Every year, the department holds a winter grease collection designed to give the public an easy way to safely dispose of all the extra cooking grease produced during holiday cooking—and a reminder to keep it out of the sanitary sewer system.  

The next collection event is scheduled for Jan. 10.  

This will mark the 21st time RWRD has held the annual grease drive, which launched in 2005.  

Over the years, the drive has collected a grand total of 98,785 pounds of grease.  

“We’re proud that our annual grease collection event is still going strong after more than two decades,” said RWRD Director Jackson Jenkins. “This important program has not only helped to educate the public about the importance of keeping grease out of the drain, but it also provides a safe and environmentally sustainable way to dispose of it.”  

All of the grease collected is recycled into clean-burning biodiesel fuel by Grecycle, a locally owned company and RWRD’s long-time partner for the event.  

Many people think nothing of pouring grease, oil and similar products down the drain, but all of these substances can wreak havoc on a home’s plumbing system.  

Grease hardens as it cools, which means that it can block pipes.  

The presence of grease can also attract pests.  

If it gets into the sewer system, grease can increase the risk of sanitary-sewer overflows, which can pose a significant health and safety risk to the community.  

Residents can drop off cooking grease and oil at numerous locations between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 10.