- Home
- City Hall
- Departments
- Development Services
- Municipal Services
- Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program
FAQs
- What is FOG?
- What does FOG do, why is it bad?
- What is a "Sanitary Sewer Overflow"? (SSO)?
- What causes a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?
- What is the content on sanitary sewage?
- What is the impact from a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?
- What can residents and businesses do to reduce FOG and prevent sanitary sewer overflows (SSO)? @(Model.BulletStyle == CivicPlus.Entities.Modules.Layout.Enums.BulletStyle.Decimal ? "ol" : "ul")>
What is FOG and is it a problem?
YES! Fats, oils and greases (FOG) do not mix with water (insoluble) and have a tendency to separate from a liquid solution. When fats, oils and greases are poured down the drain, they stick to the sewer pipe walls creating layers of buildup that restrict the wastewater flow. This problem requires pipes to be cleaned more frequently, causes pipes to be replaced sooner than expected, and causes blockages that can result in sewer overflows.
How does fats, oils and greases (FOG) create a sewer blockage?
Fat, oils and greases, when liquid, may appear to be harmless since it flows easily down the drain. However, as the liquid cools, the FOG hardens and sticks to the insides of pipes. FOG can partially or completely block wastewater flow, causing backups or overflows. Fats, oils and greases are natural by-products of the cooking and food preparation process. Common sources include food scraps, meat fats, cooking oils, lard, baked goods, salad dressings, sauces, marinades, dairy products, shortening, butter and margarine, coffee grinds, eggshells, grain, rice, seeds, etc. Anything put through the garbage disposal adds to the buildup rapidly.
What products contain fats, oils and greases (FOG)
Fats, oils and greases are natural by-products of the cooking and food preparation process. Common sources include food scraps, meat fats, cooking oils, lard, baked goods, salad dressing, butter and margarine, coffee grinds, eggshells, grain, rice, seeds, etc. Anything put through the garbage disposal adds to the buildup.
What can I do to keep fat, oil, grease and grit (FOGG) out of the sewer and help prevent a grease related sewer overflow from occurring in my house or on my street?
Everyone plays a role in preventing FOGG from damaging our sewer system. The following easy tips can help prevent a sewer overflow in your home or neighborhood. Fat, oil, grease and grit should NEVER be poured down the sink. Sink drains and garbage disposals are not designed to properly handle these materials. 1. Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash. 2. Pour fat, oil, grease and grit into a disposable container, such as an empty glass jar or coffee can. Once the liquid has cooled and solidified, secure the lid and place the container in the trash. 3. Disconnect, or at least minimize use of the garbage disposal to get rid of food scraps. The garbage disposal chops up food into small pieces, but can still cause a blockage in the pipe. Use sink strainers to catch food items, then empty the strainer into the trash.
Fat, oil, grease and grit should NEVER be poured down the sink. Sink drains and garbage disposals are not designed to properly handle these materials.
1. Before washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of materials in the trash.
2. Pour fat, oil, grease and grit into a disposable container, such as an empty glass jar or coffee can. Once the liquid has cooled and solidified, secure the lid and place the container in the trash.
3. Disconnect, or at least minimize use of the garbage disposal to get rid of food scraps. The garbage disposal chops up food into small pieces, but can still cause a blockage in the pipe. Use sink strainers to catch food items, then empty the strainer into the trash.
Why is it important to properly dispose of FOGG?
Sewer system maintenance in neighborhoods that experience sewer blockages and backups due to fat, oil, grease and grit is expensive and can contribute to the amount that customers pay for sewer service. A sewer blockage or backup can also result in expensive repairs to the home.
What should I do if I experience a sewer blockage or overflow?
Call the City of Riverbank at (209)869-7128 during regular business hours. After hours, please call 1-800-672-9068.