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Fats, Oils & Grease Disposal

Fat-free drains.

There is FOG in the sewers –but it’s not that misty stuff that fills the air. The term “FOG” stands for fats, oils and grease. Originating in our kitchens, it clogs sanitary sewer systems across Hampton Roads and is a harmful threat to the environment. When poured or washed down the drain, FOG builds up on pipe walls, restricting the flow of wastewater exiting our home’s plumbling. Over time, FOG leads to blockages that result in overflows into our homes or onto our streets, down storm drains, and into local waterways, all posing a serious risk to public health.

In addition to cooking oil and cooking grease, FOG includes:
• meat fats
• lard/shortening
• butter/margarine
• food scraps
• dairy products
• batters and icing
• dressings and sauces

Another culprit to FOG build-up in our sanitary sewer system? Excessive use of garbage disposals.

Keeping our drains fat free is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Can the Grease - Pour used cooking grease into an empty, heat safe container, such as a soup can, and store it in the freezer. Once solidified, toss the can into the garbage.

2. Scrape Your Plate - Wipe all pots, pans, dishes, and cooking utensils with a paper towel prior to washing to absorb the grease.

3. Catch the Scraps - Eliminate using the garbage disposal. Catch food scraps in your sink with a basket or strainer and toss them into the trash.
Remember...large quantities of household fats, oils or grease accumulated from cooking, frying, and general food preparation can be recycled. Residentially-generated fryer oil is collected through the local Household Hazardous Waste or Household Chemical Collection program. Simply return it to the original container and drop it off at your local recycling/household hazardous waste center.
Most locations require a minimum of five gallons collected. Smaller quantities can be bagged and disposed of with the regular household waste.

Find a recycling location near you!