Culinary enthusiasts and eco-warriors alike, it's time to stash that stash of post-holiday grease—responsibly. Pima County's grease gears are turning once again as the Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department prepares for the 20th anniversary of its grease collection drive, set for January 4, 2025. Since its inception two decades ago, the initiative has aimed to combat the slick issue of grease-clogged pipes and the ensuant sewer backups, a problem as persistent as it is preventable.
The grease drive, besides being a collector of cooking by-products, serves an educational purpose, reminding residents of the chaos caused by simply washing the grease away. In anticipation of the event, Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department's Max DiSante expressed gratitude to the community for their unfaltering support over the years, "We're proud that this event is still going strong after 20 years, and we believe it has significantly raised awareness of the importance of keeping grease and oil out of the sanitary sewer system," DiSante told Pima County Newsroom.
The importance of proper grease disposal becomes clearer when considering the fate of this collected grease. In partnership with Grecycle, a local biodiesel firm, Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department has found a way to turn this waste into something wondrous. According to Grecycle’s president Mike Kazz, the process transforms household grease into biodiesel fuel—"80% cleaner and less polluting than diesel fuel," says Kazz. An idea birthed from a San Diego recycling facility's efforts, this innovative approach turns the potential pest problem into a solution for a cleaner environment.
From the first post-Thanksgiving launch in 2005 to the total 94,352 pounds of grease collected over the years, Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department has evidently tapped into a community vein eager to perpetuate the program's sustainability. "This historic program has not only helped educate the public about the many problems caused by pouring grease down the drain, but it also has added the sustainability benefit of recycling used grease into biodiesel and other products," Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department director Jackson Jenkins proudly proclaimed in an announcement captured by Pima County Newsroom. With such achievements, it's clear that the event has solidified its place in the community's annual routine.
Lest any Pima County residents forget, the event offers multiple drop-off locations come January 4, from O’Rielly Chevrolet to various Pima Community College campuses. For the year-round environmentally conscious, there's also a permanent collection site at the Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility where our greasy contributions can continue to fuel a greener future. Complete details for disposal sites and times are available through the Pima County Newsroom official announcement.
