Fats, Oils and Grease Clog Pipes

FOGs Cause Clogs

Fats, oils and grease, which we call FOG, build up in pipes and are the number one cause of clogs, backups and overflows both at home and down the line in our water renewal system. FOG clogs result in expensive repairs, property damage, health hazards and higher maintenance costs for Boise’s water renewal services, meaning higher utility bills for customers.

FOG Disposal

The easiest way to solve the clog problem is to keep FOG out of the water collection system in the first place. Older Boise neighborhoods are especially at risk of backups when residents don't properly dispose of FOG.

Fats, oils and grease from your kitchen can be put in your compost bin or in the trash. Follow these tips for easy, mess-free disposal:

• Some fats, oils and greases from cooking can go in your residential compost cart. View our what goes where guide to see which FOG can go in your compost cart.
• If you don’t have a compost cart, let fats, oils and grease cool then pour them into jars, cans or plastic tubs and throw them away with your trash.
• Purchase a "Fat Trapper" container that is designed to store FOGs until you are ready to throw them away.
• Mix used cooking oil with an absorbent material such as coffee grounds, sawdust, or wood chips for disposal with your compost, or cat litter for disposal in the trash.