Disposal Recommendations

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) are composed of animal and vegetable fats and oils that are used to cook and prepare food. Typically, FOG enters a plumbing system from dishwashing, floor cleaning, and equipment sanitation. Sanitary sewer systems are neither designed nor equipped to handle the FOG that can accumulate on the interior of the sewer collection system pipes from improperly maintained discharges. These accumulations may cause a sanitary sewer overflow (SSO). A SSO is the unintentional flow of untreated sewage onto the ground or into a facility, home, or waterway. SSOs create a health risk to the public, damage property, and pollute our environment.

Domestic Users are encouraged to follow the following guidelines:

• Do not pour fats, oil, or grease down the drain.
• Soak up the grease after frying with paper towels and put into the garbage.
• Pour larger amounts of used cooking grease into a container with a lid. Allow grease to harden and then place into the garbage.
• Put strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids and empty them into the garbage.
• Minimize the use of your garbage disposal. Put food scraps into the garbage.
• Never pour motor oil down the drain.

Commercial customers are encouraged to read and follow LASA’s FOG Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual, for the proper way to dispose of FOG.

Whether you’re a business that generates FOG or a resident, you’re encouraged to do your part to help prevent sewer blockages. By properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease you will benefit your business, your home, your pocketbook, and your community.