FOG (Fats, Oil & Grease)
- FOG refers to Fats, Oils and Grease originating in most kitchens, restaurants and food service establishments.
- As a byproduct of cooking, FOG is usually found in:
- Cooking Oil / Butter / Margarine / Lard
- Meats
- Dairy Products (Milk, Cheeses, Yogurt)
- Sauces / Gravies / Salad Dressings
- Deep-fried Dishes (French Fries, Fried Chicken)
- Baking Goods (Pizza, Cookies, Pastries)
- Food Scraps
The Problem
Fats, oils and grease and food scraps don’t mix well with water. When flushed, these materials can build up and block the entire sewer pipeline and cause raw sewage overflows into your home, lawns,streets, parks and rivers which creates health risks, destroys the environment, and costs YOU money.
Every day, large amounts are illegally washed into sewers mainly from food preparation establishments (usually through kitchen sinks and floor drains) that do not have adequate grease control measures in place. Cooking grease coats pipelines in a way similar to the way that fatty foods clog human arteries. The grease clings to the inside of the pipe, eventually causing complete blockage.
How to Keep Fog out of the Sewer System
- Do not pour grease, fats and oils from cooking down the drain.
- Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket.
- Do not use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps.
- Do scrape or drain excess grease in a container and recycle it.
- Do place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid wastes or start a compost pile.
- Do scrape dishes prior to washing.
- Do promote the concept of “3 R’s”: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse. These suggestions can save you money!
- Install a properly sized grease trap/interceptor to handle the anticipated amount of FOG.
- Properly operate and maintain the grease trap/interceptor. Clean and service the grease traps/interceptors regularly and frequently.
- Use less oil.
- Use liquid oil instead of solid grease or lard.
- Dry wipe or scrape grease and food scraps from dishes, pots, pans, utensils and grills (or other cooking surfaces) into a can or the trash for disposal before putting them in the sink or dishwasher.
- Do not put grease down garbage disposals. Use baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and dispose of it in the trash.
- Collect and dispose used oil through a licensed grease hauler instead of pouring it into kitchen sinks, floor drains or toilets.
- Capture the oil accumulated in ventilation and exhaust hoods.
- Be cautious of those chemicals/additives that claim to dissolve grease, including soaps and detergents. They may pass grease down the pipe and clog the lines in a different area.
