Fats, Oils and Grease

What Does FOG Stand For?

FOG is an acronym for the three substances you should try to always keep out of your drains:

• Fats
• Oils
• Grease

When poured down the drain, FOG can build up in pipes and equipment and cause significant problems in the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants. Problems such as sewer line blockages that cause sewer overflows are the result of improper disposal of FOG. Sewer overflows cause environmental health hazards and property damage and lead to increased operation and maintenance costs which show up as higher sewer bills for customers.

What You Can Do

Residential households contribute FOG build-up in the sewer lines because of the amount of grease washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Sewer lines in older Boise neighborhoods are most at risk of sewer backup if residents don't properly dispose of FOG.

The easiest way to solve the grease problem is to keep FOG out of the sewer system in the first place and follow the easy disposal tips:

• Never pour grease, fats, or oil down the sink or garbage disposal.
• Pour FOG into jars, cans, and plastic tubs (Careful, the liquid may be hot!) or "Fat Trapper" container. Let contents cool and solidify. When the container is full, throw away with your trash.
• Mix cooking oil with an absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds, place in a lidded container for disposal with your trash.
• For greasy pans, pour off the grease into a container mentioned above, and use a paper towel to wipe out the remaining grease in the pan prior to washing.