Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
Fats, oils and grease can enter the piping and plumbing of your home and business as well as municipal wastewater (sewer) systems – but where does it come from?
- Cooking Oils (canola, olive, corn, etc.)
- Butter, Margarine and Shortening
- Salad Dressing
- Gravy
- Food Grease (chicken fat, bacon, sausages, etc.)
- Mayonnaise
- Batters
- Nut Butters (peanut, almond, cashew, etc.
- Heavy Cream
Fats, oils, and grease can create serious problems. Once washed down the drain, it cools, hardens, and clogs pipes. Over time, this building blocks the flow of water/wastewater, leading to backups and overflows in homes, businesses and into the environment where it creates public health hazards.
How to properly dispose of FOG
Residents:
- Before the FOG cools, pour it into a heat safe container (ideally a disposable container).
- Once it cools, wipe up any excess FOG with paper towel before washing the container the FOG was in.
- When the heat safe container is full of FOG, simply toss it in the garbage.
Learn more here.
Businesses/Restaurants:
- Install a Grease Interceptor: Commonly referred to as grease traps, grease interceptors are plumbing devices that prevent FOG and other solids from accumulating in septic tanks and municipal infrastructure. They work by capturing FOG before it enters the plumbing system. Aa wastewater flows through the device, the FOG cools, floats on top and is trapped while heavier solids settle to the bottom keeping the pipes clean and clear of debris. *Please note, interceptors are required for food establishments and must be installed by a qualified plumber. Interceptors require regular cleaning and maintenance as per manufacturer’s requirements.
- Collect FOG materials in a sealable container and bring it to Kenloch Waste Management Facility for proper disposal. Learn more about waste disposal programs offered at Kenloch Waste Management Facility here.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone, call 1-866-258-0223, selection option #4, or email water.wastewater@invernesscounty.ca.