Holiday Reminder
A reminder this holiday season: do not pour cooking fats, oils and grease (FOG) down drains or toilets while preparing Thanksgiving and other meals. FOG will clog sewer pipes, which can then cause costly sewer overflows and basement backups.
Cleaning a FOG sewer clog in the public right of way costs the city at least $1,500 per job; if the blockage causes a sewer overflow, the city must pay fines for the discharge into the environment.
When homeowners have to hire a plumber to remove grease from their sewer service line, rates vary from $125-$169 the first hour for response, with additional charges for more hours and after-hours service calls. Sewer blockages often cause backups into basements, causing loss of property.
To dispose of FOG in your trash, first make sure it is in solid form:
- Try to absorb the grease. For small amounts of grease in a pan, let the grease congeal and wipe with paper towels, or;
- Pour the grease into a container with wood shavings or cat litter.
- Another option is to place the grease in a strong container (tin can or bottle) and freeze until solid.
Remember, cooking oil can be re-used; do not throw it away if you can re-use it.
More about Fats, Oils and Grease Control.
