SOURCES OF FOG

Fat, Oil and Grease are by-products of cooking found in: food scraps, meat fats, cooking oil, butter, margarine, and shortening.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FOG

• Expensive and unpleasant cleanup

• Property damage from sewage backups that may not be covered by insurance

• Sewage overflows in streets or rivers

• Attracts insects and rodents

• Higher operation and maintenance costs for local sewer departments and residents from cleaning FOG build-up

Keep our environment clean and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs by keeping fat, oil and grease out of our sewers.

KEEP DRAINS CLEAR

Follow These Tips:

• Pour or scrape greasy and oily food waste into a container.

• Allow grease to cool or freeze in the container before throwing it in the trash.

• Mix liquid vegetable oil with an absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds in a sealable container before throwing it in the trash.

• Keep drains clean by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with hot water.

Install strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps/solids.

DO NOT:

• Pour fat, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.

• Use hot water to rinse grease off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces.

IMPACT OF FOG   

Preventing sewer backups from FOG blockages saves residents money and protects the environment. When sewer pipes on private property back up, the homeowner is responsible for the cleanup. For example, if a resident regularly pours grease down a drain, it will eventually cool, harden and form a blockage in the sewer pipe. Sewage then backs up through floor drains and toilets at the lowest point in the house. A plumber will have to be hired to clean the sewer and possibly repair plumbing inside the home and cleanup costs can be expensive.

 FROM SINKS TO SEWERS

In addition to keeping drains clear of fat, oil and grease you can also help prevent sewer blockages by NEVER flushing: 

• Disinfecting Wipes

• Baby Wipes

• Toilet Cleaning Pads

• Any products that are not biodegradable

• Moist Towels

• Paper Towels

• Mop/”Swiffer” Refills 

For Information on FOG prevention, please call the City of Atascadero at 805-470-3140.