Fats Oil and Grease

Fats, Oils & Grease Program 

Put Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) in the trash were they belong


Sewer blockages can be a direct result of fats, oils, and grease that you may be unknowingly discharging into the sewer system. 

These blockages are a serious problem that can lead to a hazardous sewage spill. Raw sewage could backup in your home and sewage overflow into yards and streets. The blockages can be caused by a buildup of FOG that creates a clog in the sewer pipe. 

Your help is needed to stop these blockages from occurring. In order to stop sewer blockages, please properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease by following these simple instructions: 

  • Cooking grease coats pipelines similar to the way fatty foods clog human arteries.  The grease clings to the inside of pipelines, eventually causing complete blockage.
  • Many people are unaware that pouring hot water and detergent down the drain only breaks up grease temporarily, causing it to solidify further down the line.
  • Keep your pipes running free. Cool down your cooking oil, grease and fat and pour them into a can -not down the drain. Trash the can, and not your pipes.
  • Scrape or wipe Fats, Oils, and Grease and other food residue from pots, pans, and, utensils with a paper towel before washing or placing in dish washing machine.
  • Wipe out pots and pans with a paper towel before doing the dishes-you will use less soap and decrease clogs.   

The removal of a grease blockage and the cleanup associated with a sewage spill is very expensive and may result in liability and property damages. Sewage spills also harm the environment and cause beach closures. 

Thank you for your help in preventing sewer blockages and spills.

Where Do Fats, Oils And Grease (FOG) Come From In Your Home?

FOG comes from meats, lard, and cooking oil, butter, shortening margarine, baking goods, sauces and dairy products. FOG can be found on cooking and eating utensils, pots, pans, and cooking surfaces. 

The Effects of FOG on the Environment

FOG accumulation in the sewer system causes blockages that result in untreated wastewater overflows. 

The untreated wastewater flows into streets, storm drains, ponds, creeks, rivers, oceans and backs up into business as well as residential homes. 

Sewer spills can pollute beaches and streets, spread disease and requires expensive clean-up. 

What you can do to protect your home and the environment from FOG 

Never pour grease down drains or into toilets. Collect and empty used cooking oil and grease in a closed container and dispose of in garbage can.