What are FOGs?

What are FOGs

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) are used in, or a byproduct of food processing and preparation.  Examples of FOGs are cooking oil, butter, lard, shortening, margarine, gravy, sauces, meats, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

Putting these greasy materials down a sink can lead to clogged sanitary sewer lines.  Clogs can then lead to wastewater backing up into your home or business, spilling out onto the streets, and even finding its way into storm sewers.

Cleanup

Cleanup can be expensive and are subject to fines.

Prevention

The first line of defense and the easiest way to solve the FOG buildup problem in your community, and help prevent sewer overflows, is by keeping this material out of the sewer system.  Here are a few tips:

• Don’t put grease down garbage disposals.  Put baskets/strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty the drain baskets/strainers into the trash for disposal.
• Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets.
• Pour fats, oils, and grease into a container such as an empty jar or coffee can.
• Scrape grease and food scraps from trays, plates, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and cooking surfaces into a can or the trash for disposal.

A good website for more information is "Cease the Grease."