Residential FOG
Many of the problems caused by Fats Oils and Grease (FOG) in the sewer system originate from food waste poured down drains in homes. Although the wastewater collection system is owned, managed and maintained by BSB, greater Beckley area benefits from it being used responsibly. Through education and by adopting certain habits, it is easy to minimize FOG sources at home.
Grease Myths
It’s okay to pour grease down the drain as long as…
… I use the garbage disposal.
MYTH! The garbage disposal only grinds up items before passing them into your sewer pipes.
… I run hot water.
MYTH! Hot water only gives the illusion of dissolving grease. The grease will eventually cool and build up in the pipes.
… it is a liquid oil at room temperature.
MYTH! Liquid cooking oils, like canola oil and olive oil, float on wastewater and easily adhere to sewer pipes.
The Do’s and Don’ts of FOG
Do!
- Place cooled oil and grease into trash bins or covered collection containers.
- Be aware of the “hidden oils” such as salad dressings, cheese, cookies, pastries, sauces and gravies.
- Scrape food scraps from dishes into trash bins.
- Manually wipe off all visible fats, oils, grease and food residue from dishes and cookware into trash bins.
- Use a strainer in the sink to collect excess food particles.
- Clean up grease spills with absorbent material and place into trash bins.
- Encourage neighbors to help keep fats, oils and grease out of the sewer system.
Don’t!
- Don’t pour oil or grease down the drain.
- Don’t scrape food scraps down the drain.
- Don’t pour liquid foods (syrups, batters, gravy, etc.) down the drain.
- Don’t run hot water over greasy dishes, pans or fryers – it will prevent FOG from sticking to the inside of the pipes.
- Don’t use chemicals to remove grease clogs; they can damage the piping system.
- Don’t rely on a garbage disposal to get rid of grease.