In case no one has noticed yet: In the past few weeks, Holding Graz waste management has set up uniform yellow collection containers for used cooking fats and oils at public collection points in all Graz districts.
With a total of 177 containers with a capacity of 240 liters each, the population of Graz now has a comprehensive, convenient and environmentally friendly disposal system at their disposal. The yellow containers replace the previous white containers that have been used in the Andritz district since the project began in 2021 and, due to its success, in four other districts (Eggenberg, Gösting, Mariatrost and Ries) since 2023. All locations of the yellow used cooking fats and oils containers can be accessed in the Graz waste app.
Vice Mayor Judith Schwentner: “With the new yellow collection containers, we are making disposal easier for the people of Graz. The shorter the route and the clearer the system, the more likely it is to be used – and everyone benefits from this in the end.”
Incorrect disposal leads to costs
Anything that ends up in the sewer without permission usually comes back in the form of unnecessary costs. Used cooking fats and oils disposed of through the sink or toilet lead to deposits and blockages in the sewer system – often associated with complex and expensive cleaning work. Holding Graz board Gert Heigl: “The new collection containers offer a simple and sustainable alternative and at the same time help to avoid waste and conserve resources.”
And this is how the tax works:
- Once the old cooking oil has cooled, simply pour it into small, well-sealed plastic bottles (the container opening has a diameter of 19 cm).
- Throw the bottle into the yellow collection container – done.
- Fetty buckets or very large containers are not suitable. These can still be dropped off at the Graz Resource Park, at the Toxic Waste Express or at the Maggstrasse problematic waste collection point.
From waste to valuable raw material
Alice Loidldivision manager at Holding Graz waste management: “The collected used cooking oil is not waste – it is a valuable raw material that is processed into high-quality, sustainable BioDiesel in specialized plants.” Every liter of used cooking oil collected is a direct contribution to climate protection. According to project partner Münzer, an Austrian specialist in used cooking oil collection and biodiesel production, 1 kilo of used cooking oil becomes 1 kilo of BioDiesel – and that saves 3 kilos of CO₂.”
Managing Director Ewald-Marco Münzer emphasizes: “With the new yellow collection boxes, the circular economy becomes visible in the everyday lives of the people of Graz. Every bottle of used cooking oil handed out is a small but measurable contribution to climate protection. We turn supposed kitchen waste into an energy source that can be used directly again in the region. In this way, together with the city of Graz and Holding Graz, we are showing how easy it is to take responsibility – a few drops are enough to make a big difference.”
