FATS, OIL and GREASE
Helpful Information from the City of Leesburg
Public Works Department
What is FOG?
FOG refers Fats, Oil and Grease found in most kitchens. About 30 percent of the foods we eat contain FOG; including meats, sauces, gravies, salad dressings, deep fried dishes, cookies, cheeses, butter and others. FOG refers to any solid or viscous substance, including grease which may obstruct the flow in a wastewater collection system, or otherwise interfere with the normal operation of a wastewater treatment system
Why should I care about FOG?
Someone has to pay for sewer blockage cleanup; this is reflected in rate increases. FOG blockages in the sewer pipes servicing individual customers can cause toilets and bathtubs to backup. This could lead to health hazards in your home.
How Do You Properly Dispose of FOG?
- Scrape food from plates before washing in the sink or dishwasher.
- Liquid grease and oil should be kept in a tight sealing container until it cools and then dispose of it in the trash.
- Garbage disposals should be used only for small particles left over after scraping in the trash. Even food particles that pass through a garbage disposal can contribute to blockages.
- Running hot water or pouring soap down the drain will not help! As the grease cools in your service or in the city main, it becomes a solid again and can cause blockage.
Remember, keeping FOG out of the sewer system helps to protect the environment and saves you money! Thanks for doing your part!