Fats, Oils & Greases (FOG)

Food Establishments

Restaurants produce FOG (fat, oil, and grease), a major factor in most kitchens. These cooking by-products come from deep fryers, frying pans, and grills. It is transported by buckets and is washed off of cleaning surfaces. FOG often finds its way down the drain, which has an adverse effect on water quality and leads to compliance issues for restaurants.

In the Home

Fats, oil, and grease produced from cooking may be liquids when they are poured into the drain, but they will solidify in the sewer pipes, causing clogs and blockages.  These grease-related blockages are a significant cause of sanitary sewer overflows.  Grease clogs can also cause sewer back-ups and draining problems in your home.

Proper FOG Management Can

  1. Avoid expensive repairs. FOG solidifies around the insides of underground stormwater pipes. This can lead to pipe bursts, overflows, backups, and blockages, which can cost you a lot more money than proper FOG management. Food service establishments that contribute to FOG buildup in pipes can even face lawsuits. 
  2. Prevent pollution. When FOG accumulates in sewer systems and leads to overflows, sewer waste ends up in lakes, streams, and oceans, causing serious damage to the ecosystem. Furthermore, proper FOG management can help the environment by providing an otherwise wasted source of biodiesel.
  3. Prevent inconveniences that are bad for business. Greasy pipes and parking lots lead to bad odors, rodents, and pest problems. 

Where FOG is Found

  • Baked goods
  • Butter and margarine
  • Cooking oil
  • Dairy products
  • Food scraps
  • Lard
  • Meat fats
  • Sauces
  • Shortening

When you're cooking and cleaning up, the fats, oil, and grease from your food are liquids. But FOG will cool inside of sewer pipes and harden into a solid that can clog pipes and lead to sewer overflows and back-ups both outside and in your home.

Dos & Don'ts Regarding FOG

Do:

  • Pour cooking grease into a metal can. When the grease cools, you can throw the can in the trash.
  • Scrape food scraps into the trash, not down your drain.
  • Wipe cookware and dishes with a paper towel to remove FOG before you put them into the sink or dishwasher.
  • Mix oils and grease with other absorbent materials like paper towels, kitty litter, or coffee grounds.

Do not:

  • Pour grease into sinks, toilets, external drains, or storm sewers.
  • Rely on your garbage disposal - while it may grind up food, it won't get rid of grease.
  • Run hot water or use degreasing detergents to flush FOG down your pipes.