Fats, Oils, and Grease
Did you know that fats, oils, and grease that are poured down the drain or garbage disposal contribute to the cost of maintaining sanitary sewer pipes, the cost of treating wastewater at our sewage treatment plants, and potentially to the pollution of our lakes and streams?
What is F.O.G.?
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) come from cooking oil, bacon grease, meat fats, food scraps, shortening, lard, butter, margarine, gravy, dairy products and other food products such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and sour cream.
When FOG is poured down kitchen drains, it accumulates inside sewer pipes. As the FOG builds up, it restricts the flow in the pipes and can cause untreated wastewater to back up into homes and businesses, resulting in high costs for cleanup and restoration.
Results of F.O.G. in Sewer Lines
When fats, oils, and grease enter the sanitary sewer system, they stick to the insides of the sewer lines. Over time, the FOG buildup can block the entire line and cause sewer backups which may result in:
• Clogged drains or toilets
• Raw sewage backing up into your home
• Raw sewage overflowing into the environment
• Expensive cleanup, repair & replacement of damaged property
• Higher wastewater system operation & maintenance costs
• Unpleasant odors
• Potential public health risks
Learn more at LakeSuperiorStreams.org. Or download the City of Superior FOG Brochure.