Fats, oils, grease (F.O.G.) comes mostly from pre-rinsing dishes or washing pots and pans in the kitchen. When cooking fat, oil, or grease is allowed to go down the drain, it eventually cools in the wastewater (sewer) system and sticks to pipes creating F.O.G. buildup, also known as a fatberg.
Sources of F.O.G. include:
- Gravy, sauces and soups
- Cooking oil, butter, shortening, lard and margarine
- Milk, cream, sour cream and mayonnaise
- Food scraps
- Oil from cooked meats
The buildup causes clogs and backups into homes and businesses, wastewater overflows and spills onto private property, streets, and into local waters. F.O.G. buildup increases the cost of maintaining Toppenish’s wastewater treatment systems and can create serious public health problems.
Fats, oils and grease blockages in the community’s sewer system are serious, causing sewage spills, manhole overflows, or sewage backups in homes and businesses. Preventing the blockages saves money, keeps businesses open and protects public health.
The City of Toppenish has instituted a Fats, Oils & Grease (F.O.G.) Management Program to help reduce the amount of these harmful food byproducts from entering the wastewater sewer.
This requires commercial, industrial, and/or institutional facilities that prepare, process, package, and/or serve food to author a F.O.G. Management Plan explaining how they will reduce such waste entering the sewer system using “Best Management Practices” and install a grease interceptor (or grease trap) to help catch fats, oils and grease before it enters the utility.
Tips for F.O.G. Management
· Do not pour liquid fats, oils or grease into sinks and floor drains
· Do not discharge garbage or food waste into the sink
· Garbage disposers any larger than a typical household garbage disposal unit shall be prohibited in all restaurants.
· Do not discharge solvents, caustics, acids, or grease emulsifying agents into sinks, grease trap, or intercepting device.
F.O.G. Management Resources and Information
Fortunately, F.O.G. can be a valuable resource.
For more information on the City of Toppenish F.O.G. Management Plan, contact Victor Shaul
Phone: (509) 728-6475 Email: victor.shaul@cityoftoppenish.us
City of Toppenish F.O.G. Program Flyer – Printable PDF
SeQuential is a local company that collects used oils for recycle. They can also provide grease trap services and resources. Follow this link for more information. Home – SeQuential (choosesq.com)