Keep your drain FOG free this holiday season

Water agencies are reminding Californians to keep FOG out of their wastewater collection system this holiday season.

Every year families gather for large meals during the holidays and those meals can produce a large amount of fats, oils, and grease (FOG). When FOG is poured down the drain, it cools and hardens, and can lead to blockages in either the main sewer system or in customers’ lines that extend from their homes.

These blockages are costly to repair and can result in sanitary sewer overflows.

Some ways to properly and safely dispose of FOG without putting it down the drain are:

• Pouring cooled fats, oils and grease into a covered, disposable container and tossing it into your garbage instead of down sink drains.
• Soaking up remaining FOG with paper towels and placing in the trash.
• Scraping food scraps into your compost or trash before washing dishes.
• Using sink strainers to catch any remaining food waste while washing dishes.