Fats, Oils, Grease (FOG)

When fats, oils, or grease (FOG) are dumped down the drain, it forms large, thick grease balls that clog pipes. Clogged pipes can result in sewer backups and spills, create environmental problems, and damage property leading to costly repairs.

FOG includes items such as cooking oils, salad dressings, sandwich spreads, meat juices, meat fat and other similar products, eventually resulting in sewer backups that can overflow onto streets and even into the home, damaging properties and the environment.

But there is hope! You can apply simple daily practices to your routine that help keep our community infrastructure and pipes clear of clogs. Consider the following:

  NEVER dispose of grease (including fryer grease), fat or oil into sinks or floor drains

  NEVER use garbage disposals for uncooked meat, coffee grounds, or any other waste that is difficult to biodegrade

  NEVER pour undiluted chemicals, bleach, boiling water or other harmful material into sinks or floor drains

  NEVER rinse pesticides, insecticides, herbicides or other toxins into sinks or floor drains

  NEVER run water constantly while while washing dishes or thawing frozen foods

  NEVER dispose of inorganic debris (i,e, floor sweepings) into sinks or floor drains. ALWAYS use refuse containers

  ALWAYS routinely clean your kitchen exhaust system filters/hood and dispose of the waste properly

  ALWAYS make sure the drains screens are in place whenever putting anything down the drain

  NEVER pour hot water over 140°F down a drain that is connected to a grease trap

  Report all violations of the above principles to your supervisor

Reducing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) in Our Sewers

Informational resource documents are available for residents in both English and Spanish: