Grease on the curb: NC town wants used cooking oil

CARY — One North Carolina town wants residents to leave used cooking oil on the curb.

Officials in Cary recently launched a pilot program that provides curbside pickup of used cooking oil and grease. They want to keep residents from dumping grease down their kitchen drains, which clogs pipes and has helped cause nearly two dozen sewer overflows since 2006.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Thursday that state officials believe the program is the first of its kind in North Carolina. Many towns and cities distribute pamphlets showing residents how to dispose of cooking oils.

Program director Donald Smith said no residents have taken advantage of the program yet, but the town hopes to collect at least 200 gallons of cooling oil and grease by Jan. 31.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)