Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program

The Bodega Bay Public Utility District administers a Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program to reduce the amount of FOG entering the sewer system. FOG hardens inside sewer pipes, which can clog pipes and constrict wastewater flow. This program helps reduce sewer system overflows into businesses, homes, yards, and streets caused by pipe blockages with FOG. It also helps reduce the amount of damage to the sewer system caused after repeated cleaning of pipes to remove 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.

All restaurants and food establishments are subject to an annual FOG inspection by the District. The District requires businesses 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 as part of this program. See District’s Sewer Ordinance 50 (Sec. 805, Sec. 806, Sec. 806(a)) on grease trap requirements.