Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

FOG refers to Fats, Oil, and Grease from food preparation and kitchen clean-up. Fats, Oil, and Grease are found in such things as:

• Meat fats
• Food scraps
• Lard
• Baking goods
• Butter/Margarine
• Cooking oil
• Sauces
• Shortening
• Dairy products

When poured down the drain, FOG can build up in pipes, pumps, and equipment, causing significant problems in the community's sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. Typical problems include sewer line blockages that can lead to sewer overflows and spills that cause environmental hazards, health hazards, and property damage.

Residential households contribute greatly to the build-up of FOG in the sewer lines because of the amount of grease washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. The results can be: raw sewage overflowing in your home or your neighbor's home; an expensive and unpleasant cleanup; raw sewage flowing into parks, yards, and streets; Potential contact with disease-causing organisms; and an increase in operation and maintenance costs for local sewer agencies leading to higher sewer bills for customers.

• Never pour grease, fats, or oil down the sink or garbage disposal.
• Freeze small amounts of fats, oil, and grease in a container with a tight-fitting lid for disposal with your solid waste.
• Mix cooking oil with an absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds, and place in a lidded container for disposal with your solid waste.
• For greasy pans, pour off the grease into a container mentioned above, and use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to washing.