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Step 1
Make an oil lamp. Fill an old can or jar with the used oil and submerge a cotton strip into the container to act as a wick. Cut a hole in the lid large enough to pull the wick through. Punch several other holes around the wick hole to allow air to get inside. Light the saturated wick and enjoy a cost-effective emergency light that makes good use of your leftover oil.
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Step 2
Configure your car to run on old cooking oil. Diesel engines can be fitted to run on oil that has been processed to reduce viscosity. Locate a company who performs this conversion on cars, and form a relationship with your local fast food joint to take advantage of their used fryer oil. Not only is this process cost-effective, but it is also good for the environment.
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Step 3
Clean up with homemade soap. Combining food-grade oils with lye causes a reaction called saponification that creates a base for a very mild and effective soap. Scent your soap with essential oils for an added boost of aromatherapy. Be sure to strain any food particles out of your oil before using it for soap making.
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Step 4
Pour old oil over charcoal briquettes for an effective fire starter. This gets you grilling without the odor of lighter fluid, and uses recycled oil rather than new petroleum products.
