The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) is gearing up for its 21st annual grease collection event, aiming to safely dispose of excess cooking grease generated during the festive season. Set for Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, the grease collection is an environmental twofer: it keeps plumbing systems healthy and converts the waste into clean-burning biodiesel fuel.
Since its inception in 2005, the event has collected a hefty 98,785 pounds of grease, a testament to the community's commitment to proper disposal. In a statement obtained by Pima County Newsroom, RWRD Director Jackson Jenkins emphasized the educational benefits of the program, saying, "This important program has not only helped to educate the public about the importance of keeping grease out of the drain, but also provides a safe and environmentally sustainable way to dispose of it." The long-lasting partnership with local company Grecycle ensures that every drop of donated grease will transform into biodiesel, a renewable energy source, according to Pima County.
Residents might inadvertently pour grease down the sink without realizing the consequences. This can lead to clogged pipes and compromise the home's plumbing system, becoming a literal and figurative pain to tackle. If the grease enters the wider sewer system, the stakes are high with potential for sanitary sewer overflows, posing significant health and safety threats to the entire community.
As per Pima County, the annual event not only provides a solution to these issues but also contributes to sustainable living practices. Residents willing to participate can drop off their cooking grease and oil at any one of six locations listed on the RWRD's website, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 10. For those unable to make the date, RWRD maintains a year-round grease collection site at the Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility, open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. According to the department's announcement, the drop-off points include:
- O’Rielly Chevrolet: 6160 E. Broadway Blvd.
- Pima Community College, Northwest Campus: 7600 N. Shannon Road
- Kino Sports Complex: 2500 E. Ajo Way
- Sahuarita Town Hall Complex: 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way
- Pima County Wastewater Annex: 3233 N. Dodge Blvd.
- Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facility: 2947 W. Calle Agua Nueva
As residents set their New Year’s resolutions, the grease collection initiative encourages a commitment to both personal responsibility and community well-being through the proper disposal of used cooking grease, supporting renewable energy efforts. For Pima County, the conclusion of the holiday season signals not an end, but the continuation of a sustainable program designed to benefit the community for years to come.
