When the Thanksgiving feast is finished, don’t pour fats, oils and grease (i.e., FOG) down the drain.
FOG poured down sinks solidifies when deposited into sewer lines, trapping solids and forming hard deposits that can cause blockages in pipes. Blockages can lead to sewer backups and leaking pipes, which can mean costly damage to city infrastructure and private property.
Follow these tips to help prevent clogs and blockages:
- Avoid placing food that contains FOG in the garbage disposal.
- Use the garbage disposal only in rare instances. Do not regularly use it to grind up food waste.
- Scrape food and grease into the garbage before washing dishes.
- Use a paper towel or napkin to wipe away cooking oil or grease before washing dishes.
- Pour FOG into an empty can, let it cool to solidify and dispose of it as refuse.
For more information, call the Environmental Management Division at 240-314-8870.