Fats, Oils, & Grease Disposal
What Causes Sewer Overflows?
A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) is the unintentional flow of untreated sewage onto the ground. SSOs create a health risk to the public, could damage property and could pollute our environment.
The bulk of the District's sewer backups and overflows are caused by the intrusion of roots into the pipes, or fats, oils and grease (FOG) solidifying and blocking the pipes.
FOG can enter the sewer pipes when people pour FOG into kitchen sinks, and from poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses. Fats, oils and grease stick to the insides of sewer laterals and sewer pipes. Over time, fats, oils and grease can build up and block the entire pipe, resulting in increased sewer rates and higher out-of-pocket expenses for customers, as well as posing a potential health hazard.
After grilling or frying,
Don’t put fats, oils or grease down the drain:
“Cool it, Can it, Trash it!”
Putting grease down the drain can eventually mean clogs for you, potential backups into your basement and sewage overflows in the GMD sewer system. So please do your part by disposing of fats, oils and grease the proper way.
How to properly dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)
GMD can help you dispose of fats, oils, and grease properly and keep FOG out of the sewer system. We’re offering each of our customers a free, reusable grease can lid.
How to Use the Lid
- Let FOG cool in the pan.
- Pour the cooled FOG into a can.
- Cover the can with your free lid and store it in your freezer.
- When the can is full, remove the lid. Put the can into the trash.
- Reuse the lid on your next grease can.