New Cooking Oil Recycling Program in West Chicago

The City of West Chicago, in coordination with the West Chicago Environmental Commission and SCARCE, has launched a new Used Cooking Oil Recycling Program. The program offers the community a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of cooking oil, especially during the upcoming holiday season when deep frying and stovetop cooking increase.

When poured down the drain, used cooking oil can harden and clog household plumbing and City sanitary pipes. These blockages can lead to sewer backups, costly repairs, and environmental impacts. By recycling used cooking oil, residents can help protect local infrastructure, keep waterways clean, and support the creation of products such as biofuel and reclaimed household materials.

Drop-Off Locations

Important Instructions for Drop-Off

To help keep the program safe and manageable for staff, all used cooking oil must be:

• Cooled completely
• Placed in a clean, clear, shatterproof, and sealed container that one person can easily lift (for example, a plastic milk jug)
• Labeled clearly as used cooking oil

Used vegetable, canola, peanut, corn and olive oils can be recycled.  Animal fats, bacon grease, and household chemicals are NOT accepted.

Restaurant or commercial cooking oil drop-off is limited to the Wastewater Treatment Plant only. Please do not bring commercial oil to the Well House 7/12 site.

Why This Matters

This program supports community-wide sustainability by:

• Preventing sanitary blockages and backups
• Reducing landfill waste
• Protecting streams and drinking water sources
• Contributing to cleaner fuel alternatives

The City invites all households to participate and share information with neighbors and friends.

Have Questions?

View official City item ↗