Fat, oils and grease

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We all know that it’s easy to unconsciously pour leftover fat, oil, grease (FOG’s) and other left-overs down the sink. While you might think that washed down with hot soapy water  is an okay method of disposal, the FOG’s cool down and solidify in the pipes and drains.

Every drop of water that you wash or flush away in your home travels through wastewater pipes and join the sewers. When there is a blockage and the wastewater cannot travel to the sewers, it can come back up the pipes into your home causing flooding.

The most common causes of blockages are FOG’s – fats, oils, greases and wet wipes.

So, while your clearing up after your dinner think of the drains in your neighbourhood.

icosawater sink and plunger

How to safely dispose of fat, oil, grease and left over food:

Before washing your pots and pans wipe them with kitchen roll to remove excess fat or grease.

Recycle/Reuse

  • Reuse cooking fats in the kitchen. Collect the fat in a jar place it in the fridge overnight and it will be ready to reuse the next day.
  • Scrape left-over food into a compost heap or bin.
  • Feed the birds – If you use fat, lard or suet in your cooking allow it to cool add nuts and seeds and leave it out in the garden for the wildlife to enjoy.
  • Some local councils collect cooking oils to be reused as fuel – Contact your local council to see if this a service they offer.
  • Pour cooking fat and oil into a disposable container and bin it.
  • Invest in a sink strainer to catch any left-over food debris.

Blockages if not properly dealt with can cause flooding. It’s important to remember that blockages in your pipework are your responsibility.