The fats, oils, and grease that accumulate in and eventually clog sewer pipes, generally comes from two sources; Food Service Establishments (FSE) and residential kitchens.  FSE like restaurants, hospital kitchens, cafeterias and other public kitchens play a large role in FOG accumulation in the sewer system, but it is important for everyone to understand just how harmful their contribution to FOG in the sewer system can be. 

How Can You Help?

Residential households generally contribute fats, oils, and grease into the sewer system by washing it into the plumbing system through the kitchen sink.  Just a few simple actions can prevent the buildup of fats, oils, and grease in the sewer system.  Follow these easy tips and not only will your family be protecting the environment from sanitary sewer overflows, but you may never have to call a plumber again!

Store it, Don’t Pour it!

Don’ts:

• Never pour FOG down sink drains or toilets
• Never pour FOG down garbage disposals
• Never pour food scraps down the garbage disposal
• Never dispose of FOG outside, on the ground, or down the storm drain.

Do’s:

• Pour small amounts of grease into a non-recyclable container (juice can, empty milk carton, coffee cans, pet food cans).  Make sure the grease hardens before disposing of it in the trash.
• Take large amounts of FOG (e.g. oil from turkey deep fryer to the Merced County Hazardous Waste Collection Facility.  For more information call (209) 385-7388.
• Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash.
• Use sink strainer to catch food items, then empty the strainer into the trash.