Raleigh wants used oil, grease

RALEIGH -- The city of Raleigh wants residents to give up their grease.

City crews will collect used cooking oil and grease from homes as part of a pilot program being enacted for the holiday season. The collected oil will be converted into biofuel by Triangle Biofuels, a local company that's buying the stuff 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 pickups at churches. It's only open to Raleigh residents who get their trash picked up by city crews.

Pickups won't be automatic, and residents need to call solid waste workers at 996-6890 to arrange one 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. Glass containers are forbidden.

City staff will only pick up collections of at least a half-gallon, approximately the size of a 2-liter soda bottle.

For more information, contact the city's Public Utilities Department at 857-4540.

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