A variety of household products can do serious damage to your sewer pipes and to the sanitary sewer system as a whole. They also could result in fines to EID and costly upgrades and maintenance to the collections system and wastewater treatment plants. From pharmaceuticals and “disposable” diapers to kitty litter and fats, oils, and grease, it’s important to know what may be harming your pipes.

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.

Click on the image above for a chart that gives guidance on how to dispose of some common household items. Print it out for reference. And remember, don’t be fooled by the disappearance of items down the drain. They don’t ever just go away.

To find out where you can take your unwanted or expired medications, motor oil, or other hazardous waste, enter the information in the search box below.