HOUSEHOLDS in Britain will pour 15 million cups of roast turkey fat down the sink this Christmas day – almost enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

But if this oil was recovered into renewable energy it could provide enough electricity to power 3,600 homes for a whole year.

Members of the public therefore are being encouraged to collect the waste liquid and take it to a local recycling centre which is participating in the Living Fuels initiative.

The scheme takes used cooking oil and converts it into 100% sustainable, panted bioliquid which can be used in eco-friendly power stations across the country.

Ian Collins, managing director of Living Fuels, said: “The festive season usually means larger volumes of used cooking oil being poured down the sink.

“Not only is this a waste of a valuable source of renewable energy, it can also lead to costly drain blockages as the oil cools and solidifies in the drainage system.

“Recycling your used cooking oil this Christmas will not only help you to avoid unwanted repair bills over the holidays - but also reduce your carbon footprint by helping to build a sustainable source of renewable energy.”

Used cooking oil can be taken to Bilford Household Recycling Centre in Worcester and recycling just 0.4 litres will help create enough electricity to power a set of Christmas tree lights for the entire festive season.

For more details visit livingfuels.co.uk