Fats, oils and grease, known collectively as FOG, represent the most serious enemy of our sewer lines. This includes
- Butter
- Cooking oil
- Salad dressing
- Mayonnaise
- Grease
- Gravy
- Sauces
- Food/meat scraps
- Lard
- Margarine
- Shortening
When you dump FOG down your drain, it forms large, thick grease balls that clog pipes and eventually lead to sewer backups and spills, create environmental problems, cause traffic tie-ups or even flood homes and businesses. Protect your own pipes and our system with a few simple steps.
Do
- Can the grease! Keep an empty metal can and pour oil and grease into the can. Allow grease to cool in the container before throwing it in the trash.
- Wipe before washing. For greasy pans, pour the grease into a container and use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to washing.
- Seal the oil. Liquid should be limited to no more than one-half gallon. Mix liquid vegetable oil with an absorbent material such as kitty litter or coffee grounds in a sealable container before throwing it in the trash.
- Keep drains clean by pouring 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Wait 10-15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.
Don’t
- Don’t pour fat, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.
- Don’t use hot water to rinse grease off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces.
- Don’t forget to protect bathroom drains too: the toilet is not a trash can!
