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Residents make the biggest difference when it comes to reducing sewer backups and overflows. Why? Because the majority of FOG-related sewer backups and overflows originate in residential areas.

Follow these dos and don'ts for FOG-free sewer pipes.

Dos and Don'ts

Why You Should Care
Improper FOG disposal leads to sewer backups, overflows, and:

  • Increased sewer rates
    • Municipal expenses to fix sewer backups and overflows must be passed onto ratepayers.
  • Higher out-of-pocket expenses
    • Plumbing repairs for household backups and overflows may cost you hundreds of dollars.
  • Public health and environmental hazards
    • Sewer backups and overflows can be unsanitary and harmful to local waterways.
  • Increased pest problems
    • FOG attracts pests like mice, rats and flies.
Use the "Employee Training Module" and educate your employees about proper FOG disposal.
Have outdoor grease interceptors regularly serviced by a licensed waste hauler. Clean all indoor grease traps manually each week, at a minimum. Clean indoor automatic grease traps daily.
Wipe or scrape pots, pans, dishware and work areas into trash to remove FOG and food residues from cookware, dishware, etc. before washing.
Collect and store used cooking oil in a barrel or bin. Use a California Department of Food and Agriculture licensed renderer for recycled FOG disposal.
When a FOG-related spill occurs, block off any sink or floor drain. Clean up the spill with an absorbent material like cat litter or absorbent sweep. Put absorbed materials in plastic bags before placing in the trash.
Keep overflows from entering the storm drain. Create a barrier using dirt, cat litter or other absorbent material. If an overflow occurs, call your local sewer agency immediately. <<Design note: link back sewer agencies page for food service establishments.>>
Post "Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease Best Management Practices" (include link to this download) signs near sinks and dishwashers.
When washing dishes, mild water temperatures are preferred because hot water melts FOG and carries it down the drain.
Install drain screens in all drains (food sinks, floors, mop sinks and hand sinks) to capture scraps and other solid materials.
Clean exhaust filters in sinks (not outside). This stops pollutants from entering the storm drains.
Keep all receipts from a California Department of Food and Agriculture licensed grease waste hauler for two years.
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