Protect Your Pipes by Properly Disposing of Fats, Oils, and Grease
13:00 20 November
in News
An important cooking practice is keeping fats, oils, and grease (FOG) out of your home’s drains. It is especially important during the holidays — when cooking takes place more than usual. When FOG is poured down the drain, it solidifies and sticks to the wastewater pipes. It can eventually cause serious backups inside your home or yard.
COMMON SOURCES OF FOG:
- Meat Fats
- Dairy Products
- Cooking Oils
- Food Scraps
- Dressings
- Sauces
- Lard
- Butter Margarine
- Marinades
- Shortening
- Baked Goods
- Gravies
- Sandwich Spreads
HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF FOG:
To dispose of FOG, pour the liquid (after it cools) into an empty container, cover it with a tight-fitting lid, and store it in the refrigerator. Once you have filled up the container, discard it in the trash or recycle it at your local household hazardous waste collection facility. .
Other simple tips:
- Do not try to use hot water and soap to wash FOG down the drain. It will eventually cool and harden in the sewer pipes.
- Mix cooking oils with absorbent material such as coffee grounds or cat litter. Place it in a container and dispose of it in the garbage.
- Wipe excess FOG from pans with a dry paper towel and discard it in the garbage.
- Visit the District’s YouTube channel to learn more about FOG or watch our tutorial on how to dispose of FOG.