Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) entering the sewer system can harden inside sewer pipes, which can clog pipes and constrict wastewater flow. Repeated cleaning of pipes to remove FOG due to blockages can damage our sewer system. Please help us to reduce our FOG!

What is FOG?

Common sources of Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) include, but are not limited to:

  • Meat Fats/Lard
  • Butter/Margarine/Shortening
  • Cooking Oil
  • Dairy Products/Cream Based Sauces
  • Oily Salad Dressing/Gravy

How to Prevent FOG– Residential

  • DO NOT pour FOG down sinks or drains.
  • DO NOT pour FOG into storm grates or on the ground.
  • Wipe grease and food scraps out of pots, pans and plates with a paper towel prior to washing.
  • Toss greasy or fatty food scraps in your compost bin rather than your sink’s garbage disposal.
  • Use a sink drain basket to catch food scraps. Do not throw scraps down your sink’s garbage disposal.
  • Small amounts of FOG liquids can be poured into a sealed container and thrown into the garbage.
  • Less than 10 gallons of cooking oil can be taken to disposal sites on a first come, first serve basis. Click here for list of sites.

How to Prevent FOG- Commercial

  • DO NOT pour FOG down sinks or drains.
  • DO NOT pour FOG into storm grates or on the ground.
  • Wipe grease and food scraps out of pots, pans and plates with a paper towel prior to washing.
  • Toss greasy or fatty food scraps in your compost bin rather than your sink’s garbage disposal.
  • Use a sink drain basket to catch food scraps. Do not throw scraps down your sink’s garbage disposal.
  • Clean floor mats and other greasy equipment in areas where wastewater goes to a grease control device.
  • Properly install and maintain grease removal device.
  • Maintain a maintenance log.

The District requires businesses that produce FOG to install and maintain a grease removal device (grease trap, interceptor or vault) depending on the type of food service business (restaurants, bakeries, etc.) to collect grease. See District’s Sewer Ordinance 50 (Sec. 805, Sec. 806, Sec. 806(a)) on grease trap requirements.