Fats, Oils & Grease Program

Fats, Oil, & Grease Program

OVERVIEW
FOG is an industry term for Fats, Oils, and Grease. It includes animal fats, vegetable fats, and oils used to cook and prepare food. FOG is a solid or viscous substance that can create an obstruction in the sewer system if not properly disposed of. FOG discharged by residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial users presents a significant problem for the Town's wastewater collection and treatment system.

When grease is washed down the drain, it sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets.) Over time, it builds up and can block an entire pipe. FOG can cause serious damage to the sewage system, your property, and that of your neighbors, as well as damage to streets and waterways from sewage overflows. Also, cleanup can be very costly.

Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the pipes - they only shred it into smaller pieces. Commercial additives, including detergents that claim to dissolve grease, may pass it down the line and cause problems away from the source.

For more information, click here for the FOG Policy.

DO THIS
  • Scrape all food and leftover grease into the trash, never the sink.
  • Recycle large amounts of used cooking oil at the Iredell County Transfer Station.
  • Wipe pots, pans, and dishes with dry paper towels before rinsing/washing them.
  • Pour cooled FOG into a can with a tight lid (coffee can) and dispose of it in the garbage.
  • Talk to friends and family about FOG in the sewer system and help them become proactive in preventing sewer blockages.

DO NOT DO THIS
  • Do not pour FOG down the sink drain or toilet.
  • Do not use hot water to wash grease down the drain. When the water cools, FOG will solidify and clog the pipes.
  • Do not rely on additives or detergents to dissolve grease. They only disperse it down the line to recollect and cause more problems.
  • Do not put grease or greasy food into the garbage disposal.
  • Never pour grease or used oil into the storm drains or on the ground.

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