Pretreatment - Residential FOG

What is FOG and Why is it a Problem?

FOG means fats, oils, and grease and can be found in :

• Baked goods
• Butter, lard, or shortening
• Cooking oil
• Food scraps including meat
• Sauces or salad dressing
• Dairy products such as milk or sour cream

If poured down the drain, even with soap, hot water, and/or a garbage disposal, F.O.G. will separate and cool to cause build up in pipes.  This leads to sewage spills or backups in the home, businesses, parking lots, or the environment.  It can also negatively affect the sewage treatment process at wastewater treatment plants, ultimately increasing sewer rates for the customers.

Residential Information & Resources

Residential FOG Brochure

Reasons for Prevention

The buildup of FOG in the sewer system can cause clogs in household plumbing which may lead to:

• Clogged toilets and drains in households
• Raw sewage back up into homes or around the home, resulting in expensive clean up and repair
• Higher sewer bills
• Health risks from exposure to untreated sewage
• Strong odors entering homes

Dos and Don'ts

Do

• Put cooled grease into a sturdy plastic container or reused can with a lid and place it in the trash
• Liquid oil can be mixed with kitty litter, paper towel, or coffee grounds before being thrown away
• Throw food scraps into the trash
• Use a paper towel to "dry wipe" food residue and FOG off dishes, pans, and silverware before washing
• Place a strainer in the sink to collect food particles

Don't

• Pour grease down the sink or garbage disposal even when adding soap or hot water.  This will cause a backup further down the line
• Use harsh chemicals to try to unclog blocked drains
• Rinse grease off of kitchen utensils, dishes, or cookware into the sink
• Put all food scraps into a garbage disposal

CBU has grease can lids, cooking pan scrapers, and oil disposal bags available at its office to CBU customers.  The materials are free of charge.