FOG Frequently Asked Questions
Are fats, oils, and grease (FOG) a real problem?
Yes! FOG is responsible for more than half of SacSewer’s sewer problems. When poured down the drain, FOG clogs the sewer system and causes backups or overflows. The result:
- Property damage
- Increased customer rates
- Health and environmental hazards
- Increased maintenance for cleaning messes and replacing sewer pipes
How does FOG create a sewer blockage?
When poured down the drain, FOG cools, solidifies, and floats to the top of other liquids in sewer pipes. The FOG layer sticks to the sewer pipes and, over time, restricts wastewater flow. It can then cause a sewer backup or overflow.
What products contain FOG?
Common sources of FOG include food scraps, meat fats, cooking oils, lard, baked goods, salad dressings, sauces, and marinades.
What should I avoid putting down my kitchen sink/garbage disposal?
- Butter, margarine
- Lard
- Cooking Oil
- Bacon Grease
- Egg shells
- Coffee grounds
- Meat scraps
- Potatoes/potato peels
- Rice
- Pasta
- Gravy
- Salad dressing
- Jello/gelatin
- Stringy veggies such as celery, corn, asparagus, artichokes, and onions
- Banana peels
What is okay to put down my kitchen sink/garbage disposal?
- Non-starchy foods
- Anything that doesn’t solidify or gel when cooled
- Citrus fruit and peels
- Melons
Why is it important to properly dispose of FOG?
Cleaning up FOG-related overflows is expensive. It can affect the amount customers pay for sewer service. A sewer backup or overflow can also result in expensive home repairs, environmental/health hazards, and even pest problems.
What should I do if I experience a sewer backup or overflow?
Call SacSewer at (916) 875-6730! As an SacSewer customer, you pay a monthly utility fee for sewer service. Let us try to help you when you have a sewer problem. We will check our portion of the sewer line for problems and help you figure out the next step. (Click here to confirm that you are an SacSewer customer.)
How and where do I properly dispose of larger quantities of cooking oil?
Once cooled, pour FOG into a sealed container. Label the container “Used Cooking Oil” and deliver it to a local disposal station, or (if your collection agency allows) leave curbside with your recycle bin.
Are there any tips for deep-frying a turkey?
Yes! Turkey deep-frying often leaves behind three to five gallons of used cooking oil. Follow these steps to safely dispose of used oil:
- Let the oil cool completely. Pour the oil into its original container or another leak-proof container.
- Label the container “Used Cooking Oil.”
- Take the used cooking oil to a local disposal station or leave it out for curbside pick up (if provided by your waste hauler).
- For smaller volumes (less than a quart), allow the oil to cool and solidify, then put it into the trash. Tip: Add a little kitty litter to the oil. The litter will absorb the oil and form clumps that make it easier for tossing in your garbage.
