Fortunately, we're once again able to entertain people in our homes, and this will increase as winter and the holiday season approaches. That means more home-cooked meals (Yum!), and kitchen fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) to deal with.
When kitchen fats, oils, and greases are poured down drains or toilets, they can solidify in sewer pipes and cause blockages that stop wastewater from flowing normally. If the blockage becomes large enough, wastewater begins to back up, and then escapes into the environment through manholes or cleanouts.
Here are some examples of FOGs that you should never put down the drain or toilet.
Fats
- Cheeses
- Ice Cream
- Butter
- Meat Trimmings
Oils
- All Cooking Oils
- Salad Dressings
Greases
- Gravy
- Bacon/Sausages
- Mayonnaise
How to dispose of FOGs properly
Scrape all pans of FOGs, then dry wipe the pan with a paper towel and throw everything into the garbage or organics disposal.
Pour liquid oil or grease into a solid container (glass jar, metal coffee can, etc.) and allow to cool and solidify. Then dispose of in a similar fashion.
Ideally, find out if your community has a cooking oil recycling program. Your used oil could be recycled to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.