- Home
- Government
- Public Works
- Maintenance
- Sewer
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
What is FOG?,
FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease. Did you know that pouring fats, oils, and grease down the drain or garbage disposal creates obstructions in underground pipes and creates serious problems like blockages and sewer overflows? In fact, FOG is one of the leading causes of sewer overflows and blockages in the United States.
When washed down the sink, grease sticks to the insides of your pipes (both on your property on in the streets). Over time, grease buildup can clog an entire pipeline causing street overflows in your home and neighborhood. The damage from overflows could cost you thousands of dollars!
The City plans to adopt a new Ordinance to codify regulations preventing discharge of Fats, Oils and Grease into the City's Sewer collection system. The Ordinance applies to Food Service Establishments (FSEs), commercial and industrial businesses, and other entities with potential to introduce FOG and insoluble waste into the City's sewer collection system. If you have questions about the new Ordinance, please follow the Links below.
Link to FAQs: FOG Ordinance FAQs
Food Service Establishments (FSEs) and commercial and industrial businesses with potential to discharge FOG into the City's Serwer Collection System must obtain a FOG Waste Discharge Permit and adhere to the requirements of the City's FOG Control Program.
A limited food preparation establishment" is not considered an FSE when engaged only in reheating, hot holding, or assembly of ready to eat food products, provided that there is no wastewater discharge containing FOG. Limited food preparation establishments must follow FOG Control Program Best Management Practices (BMPs) for kitchen operations.
For more information, follow the LINK: FOG Control Program
Here are some simple tips on how to prevent sewer overflows.
- Do not pour cooking oil, greasy food, dairy products, or salad dressing down the drain.
- Use strainers in the drains to catch food scraps and other solids.
- Do not use hot water and soap to try to wash grease down the drain. It will eventually cool and harden in the pipelines.
- Pour cooled grease into a disposable container, cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in your freezer. Once contents are frozen, toss in the garbage.
- Mix cooking oils with absorbent materials such as coffee grounds or cat litter. Place in tight-lidded container and dispose of it in the garbage.
- Wipe or scrape food particles from pots, pans, and dishes into the trash can prior to placing them in the sink for washing.
- Wipe excess fats and grease form pots and pans with a dry paper towel and toss it in the garbage.