Residential Fats, Oils, and Grease

A special category of harmful waste includes kitchen fats, oils, and grease—collectively known as FOG. Found in most kitchens and restaurants, waste FOG (cooking oil, fat, lard, grease, butter, tallow, shortening, and margarine are all examples) is generated during food preparation and the cleaning of kitchenware and equipment.

Sending fats, oils, and grease down the drain and into the sanitary sewer system is a serious problem because these substances solidify and accumulate in sewer pipes. That can—and does—cause sewer backups and sewage overflows, resulting in potential hazards to public health and leading to property damage and damage to the sewer system itself.

To reduce FOG in the sewer system, follow these tips

• Place cooled cooking oil, poultry, and meat fats into sealed non-recyclable containers and discard with your regular garbage.
• Use paper towels to wipe residual grease or oil off of dishes, pots, and pans before washing them.

The following informative video was produced by the Live Sewer Smart consortium (Cities of Auburn, Lincoln, Roseville, Placer County, and South Placer Municipal Utility District). You can dispose of your waste FOG in the garbage or click on the link to the El Dorado County Household Hazardous Waste website.