There’s nothing just like the scent of bacon frying. Smoky and wealthy, you possibly can most likely style it simply desirous about it now. That highly effective aroma is thought for waking up relations, loyal canine, and even your neighbors.

However what smells good to us additionally smells good to each scavenger in a five-mile radius, which is partially why it most likely should not get tossed straight onto your compost pile. It is also pure fats, which would not break down as straightforwardly as espresso grounds or potato peels, so its presence dangers altering the delicately balanced ecosystem that may be a wholesome compost pile.

Composting is likely one of the finest issues you are able to do to your backyard, your soil, and the surroundings. While you get the method proper, it turns meals and yard waste into darkish, nutrient-rich humus that your vegetation love. A wholesome compost pile must be layered, balanced, and contained, not a sludgy mess of half-rotted, pawed-through scraps.

As a result of animal fat break down far more slowly than plant matter , they’ll create airless pockets in your compost pile, resulting in a slimy, putrid-smelling mess and stalling decomposition. Like all animal merchandise, it might additionally harbor pathogens like clostridium perfringens or salmonella, which multiply and thrive in heat, moist environments, particularly in low-oxygen circumstances attributable to trapped fats, or in case your pile by no means reaches pathogen-killing temperatures.

Even when your bin is sealed, the scent of bacon grease is a beacon for scavengers. Rodents, raccoons, opossums, and free pets have sharp noses and no boundaries. If you happen to dwell in a extra rural space, chances are you’ll be inviting neighborhood bears to take a crack at breaking in to get on the stinking slurry. They will tear by way of luggage, knock over bins, and scatter your compost throughout the yard, which may upset the pH of your backyard, damaging vegetation and doubtlessly attracting much more pests.

Is there ever a time when bacon grease will be safely composted? Technically, sure, however solely in very small quantities and below the suitable circumstances. Some microbes can break down fats into vitamins that vegetation can ultimately use, however it’s a gradual, high-maintenance course of requiring cautious, technical administration, excessive warmth, common turning, and a balanced ratio of carbon-rich browns (like dry leaves, egg cartons, or shredded paper luggage) to meals scraps.

If you happen to’re tossing within the occasional grease-soaked serviette, you are most likely high-quality. However in the event you’re cooking bacon each weekend, or every single day (yum!), the grease will accumulate quicker than microbes can break it down, and the delicately balanced ecosystem of your compost will not be capable of sustain. Until you are sending your scraps out to be composted industrially by the town, bacon grease merely would not break down quick sufficient to be well worth the hassle. Your yard pile is best off with out it.

As a substitute of composting bacon grease, assume like your grandmother and put it to good use. You possibly can filter it by way of a high-quality mesh or cheesecloth, pour it right into a jar, and retailer it within the fridge or freezer. It is helpful and scrumptious for frying eggs, roasting greens, or including richness and depth to beans, cornbread, or sauteed greens.

If you happen to aren’t into reusing the grease, let it cool and harden in a container that you may toss, like a used tin can or foil-lined bowl. You may also pour it over newspaper or paper towels to soak up it, however be sure it is utterly cool earlier than disposing. By no means pour grease down the sink, except you’re keen on calling the plumber.

One final warning: do not go away a pan of bacon grease sitting out for lengthy. You may resist the temptation, however your cat will not. Belief us.