Help Keep Atlanta’s Sewers FOG-Free

by Patch Staff

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management wants to remind Atlanta residents not to pour grease down kitchen drains after holiday meals.

Fats, oils and grease — FOG — create blockages in household plumbing and often leads to spills in the City’s sewer system. During the holiday season, grease in pipes is a common cause for sewer overflows in the system.

“Pouring the gallon or two of cooking oil needed to fry a turkey down your kitchen sink or into a toilet practically guarantees a backup in your sewer pipes” DWM Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina said in a release. “Keeping fats, oils, and grease out of our sewers will help us maintain the integrity of our system keeping sewage in the pipes and out of your yard or streams.”

Cooking oils and chicken grease are common forms of FOG. However, other products such as mayonnaise, peanut butter, chocolate, ice cream and butter are also FOGs, which may stick to the walls of plumbing and create buildup over time, leading to blockages.

The Department of Watershed Management recommends pouring cooled liquid FOGs in a sealable, disposable container and placing in the trash. Residents may also scrape solid FOGs and food particles into the trash. Lastly, clean dishes with a paper towel before hand-washing them or placing them in the dishwasher and then discard the paper towel in the trash.

A number of local grease recycling companies, including Atlanta-based Green Grease (404-890-5682) and Monroe-based Clean Energy Biofuels (678-318-1785), are available to pick up used grease.

The Department of Watershed Management wishes everyone a happy, safe and back-up free holiday season.