Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

DON'T BE A PAIN IN THE DRAIN! Fats, oils, and grease come from meat fats in food scraps, cooking oil, shortening, lard, butter and margarine, gravy, and food products such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sour cream. FOG poured down kitchen drains accumulates inside sewer pipes. As the FOG builds up, it restricts the flow in the pipe and can cause untreated wastewater to back up into homes and businesses, resulting in high costs for cleanup and restoration.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Cool it! Scrape it! Bin it!

DOS

  • 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 then rinse with hot water.

DON'TS

  • Don't pour fat, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.
  • Don't use hot water to rinse off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces.
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