The Paris Board of Public Utilities’ Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program was designed to reduce the possibility of sewer pipe blockages and overflows by educating people in regards to how FOG affects the sewer system and how customers can properly dispose of these substances.
FOG gets into our sewer collection system mainly from residential customers pouring the substances down their drains and from commercial food preparation establishments with inadequate grease controls. Fats, oils and grease are a byproduct of cooking and are mostly found in the following:
- Meats
- Cooking oil
- Lard or shortening
- Butter or margarine
By design, sewer systems are not built to handle or treat these substances in excess. Without proper disposal of FOG, they build up in the sewer system and eventually block collection pipes and sewer lines, resulting in sewer backups and overflows on streets, properties and even in customers’ homes and/or businesses. Overflows may also impact the environment negatively and can result in contamination of ponds, streams or rivers.
FOG that enters the sewer system eventually solidifies and forms grease balls. These grease balls can range in size from marbles to the size of cantaloupes and must be removed periodically. Since the sewer system is unable to handle or treat these substances efficiently, Paris BPU incurs greater expenditures on the maintenance of the collection systems and/or treatment plants which in turn can lead to higher customer rates. Sewer backups can also cost customers thousands of dollars for the repair or replacement of their damaged property.
To work effectively, sewer systems need to be properly maintained. Paris BPU encourages all customers to do their part in maintaining their internal system and to use proper disposal methods as provided below.
Proper Disposal Methods
Ways in which you as a customer can reduce the amounts of FOG that enters the sewer system is by doing the following:
- Have grease interceptors or traps inspected, maintained and cleaned regularly. (Usually every 6 months they should be pumped out).
- Scrape grease and food residue from dishes and pans into a garbage bag before placing them into your dishwasher or sink.
- Allow grease to cool to a safe temperature after cooking before disposal.
- Only dispose of fat and grease in an approved container or by an approved method.
- Recycle used cooking or motor oil at one of Henry County’s recycling centers.
- Freeze the grease or oil and then throw the hardened oil away on trash day.
- Mix oils with unscented kitty litter, sawdust or sand to solidify the oil (Avoid scented or disinfectant types of kitty litter as they can react with the oil and cause a fire).
- Use a paper towel to wipe small amounts of cooking oil, such as meat drippings, and throw the paper towel in the trash.
Improper Disposal Methods
- Pouring household grease into sinks, garbage disposals or other drains. This is one of the major contributors to sewer blockages.
- Flushing grease, diapers, sanitary napkins, newspapers, soiled rags and/or paper towels down toilets.
- Pouring oil or grease into a storm drain; it is the same as pouring it directly into a lake.
Download our FOG Tip Sheet here
FOG Program for Business Documents/Forms
Wastewater Grease Interceptor Permit Application