Public Works
Wastewater Collection Department
F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease)
Over time fats, oils and grease build up and eventually block pipes causing sewage backups and overflows. To stop sewage backups and overflows, you need to keep fats, oils, and grease out of the sewer system. The most effective solution is to control fats, oils and grease at the source. Here’s how:
- Install a grease interceptor that’s sized and manufactured to handle the amount of grease byproduct anticipated.
- Maintain your grease interceptor in proper operating condition by having it cleaned and serviced on a frequent basis.
- Don’t pour grease into kitchen sinks, floor drains, or toilets.
- Recycle all used grease.
- Scrape grease and food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, and grills (or other cooking surfaces) into a can or the trash for disposal.
- Do not put grease down garbage disposals. Use baskets, or strainers, in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, then dispose of them in the trash.
Be cautious of chemicals and additives (including soaps and detergents) that claim to dissolve grease. Some additives simply pass grease down pipes where it can clog sewer lines in another area.
Fats, oils and grease get into the sewers mainly from commercial food preparation establishments that do not have adequate grease control measures in place such as grease interceptors. Sewage backups and overflows are typically the result of grease buildup, which can cause property damage, environmental problems, and other health hazards.
Most grease is the byproduct of cooking and is usually found in such things as:
• Food scraps
• Meat fats
• Lard
• Cooking oil
• Butter and margarine
• Baking goods
• Sauces
• Dairy products
How It Effects You
-As your sewer pipes back up, sewage and food particles that accumulate can attract insects and other vermin and may create potential health hazards.
- Increased sewer blockages and overflows lead to excessive and costly maintenance, and can result in severe fines from the regulatory agencies. This can increase your sewer fees. Clogged sewers can lead to overflows.
- Property damage can result from sewage backups leading to expensive cleanup and plumbing repairs that may have to be paid for by you. Health code violations, or closures, can greatly impact your business operations.
