FOG Prevention Protects the Environment
Fat, oil and grease in sewer pipes, referred to
as FOG, create pollution problems in many
communities. FOG enters sewer pipes through
restaurant, residential and commercial sink
drains. Once in the sewer, FOG sticks to the pipe
and thickens. FOG can build up and eventually
block the entire pipe. Blockages in sewer pipes
can send sewage backward – out of manholes
into streets and rivers, or up floor drains in
homes. These sewage overflows pollute the
environment.

Impact of FOG
Preventing sewer overflows from FOG
blockages saves communities money and
protects the environment. When overflows
occur, local public works staff need to go to
the site and clean the grease build-up out of the sewer using a vactor truck. Depending on the
severity of the blockage, these cleanups can cost
taxpayers or the FOG contributor thousands of
dollars. For example, during the holiday season
Rochester Hills diverted a potential sewage
backup from entering into one of the City’s malls
by cleaning a major FOG blockage. Reported by
an observant citizen who saw a manhole cover
being pushed up, the blockage was so severe
that the sewer pipe had to be cleaned from both
sides of the blockage. Although the disaster
was avoided, the necessary maintenance was
performed at an increased cost to the city.
Restaurant owners and commercial businesses
can help control the problem by properly
disposing of fat, oil and grease. Everyone is part
of the solution.

Sources of FOG
Fat, oil and grease are by-products of cooking found in:
• food scraps
• meat fats
• lard
• cooking oil
• butter, margarine or shortening

Negative Effects of FOG
• Attracts insects and rodents
• Property damage from sewage backups
• Sewage overflows in streets or rivers
• Expensive and unpleasant cleanup
• Higher operation and maintenance costs for local sewer departments and business owners

Keep Drains Clear
Follow These Tips:
• Train all employees to properly handle used fat, oil and grease.
• Post “No Grease” signs over sink and floor drains.
• Dispose of all fat, oil and grease in an appropriate recycling bin.
• Keep drains clean by using vinegar and warm water or commercial products to dissolve grease. Be cautious of chemicals and additives that claim to dissolve grease.
Some additives simply push the grease farther down the pipe.
• Install a grease interceptor, grease trap, or oil/water separator that is sized to handle the grease or oil produced at your business.
• Have an approved grease and oil removal company regularly maintain your grease interceptor or oil/water separator. Keep
records of when your equipment is cleaned.

Do Not:
• Pour fat, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.
• Use hot water to rinse grease off cookware, utensils, dishes or surfaces.

Cleaning FOG build-up from sewers increases maintenance costs for everyone in the sewer system. FOG can create sewer overflows. Keep our environment clean and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs by keeping fat, oil and grease out of our sewers.

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