BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Cleaning disposing of vegetable oil

I have never really known what to do with the oil in which some food is preserved, i.e., marinated artichoke hearts and other antipasti items. I assume the oil can be used for cooking and salad dressings, but as it has herbs in it and has had other food stored in it, I am guessing its shelf life is not long and that I should be cautious about keeping it too long. I also hate the idea of pouring it down the drain, but, how else can it be disposed of? If that's the only way, should it be followed by some very hot water and detergent? I have never known what to do with unwanted oil. Any ideas or advice? All gratefully received, as I currently have two jars, half full of said oil, standing on my counter waiting for my next move!

I have a septic tank and not sewer so I don't dump oils down the drain. Mostly I leave them in the container they came in and throw them in the garbage. Sometimes if I can't do that I keep a covered coffee can in the freezer. I dump the oils in there and leave it frozen. On garbage day it goes out with the rest of the garbage.

I'm interested in hearing what others do too.

Sometimes I put it in a container and throw it out - but often I mix it with detergent ( about one tablespoons for every 8 ounces I would guess- but that is just a guess) and run it down the drain with very hot water. Ive never had a sink plug up or back up on me.