From grease to fuel in Raleigh

The city of Raleigh wants residents to unleash their grease.

City crews will collect used cooking oil and grease from resident's homes as part of a pilot program being enacted for the holiday season. The collected oils will be converted into biofuels by Triangle Biofuels, a local company that's buying the grease from the city for $0.25 a gallon.

The free program is up and running, so residents can begin putting their grease out on the curb along with their trash and recycling once they contact the city's Solid Waste Service Department to arrange a pickup.

The program will run through Jan. 15 and includes pick-ups at churches and places of worship.

Pickup won't be automatic, residents need to call solid waste workers at 996-6890 to arrange a pickup at least a day before their weekly trash day.

The grease should be in a sealed container, like a milk jug or old coffee can, but can not be kept in glass containers.

Questions? Call the city of Raleigh's Public Utilities Department at 857-4540.