Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
When Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) go down the drain, they build up in pipes to cause clogs. These clogs can cause a sewer pipe to break or back up into the street, causing a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). SSOs are trouble for everyone.
- They contain harmful bacteria unhealthy for people and pets.
- They sometimes spill into the gutter and storm drain system before we can get there.
- Raw sewage in waterways can cause foul odors, kill wildlife, and make waterways unsafe.
See how FOG affects our sewers with our "Fats, Oils, Grease" video in the City's Video Archive.
Help Us Keep It Off the Streets
If you see water and sewage bubbling up from a maintenance hole or pooling in a grassy area, please report it immediately by calling the Emergency Service Center.
Tips to Prevent SSOs
At Home Tips
- Never pour grease down sinks, drains, or toilet.
- Collect cooking fats, oils, and grease into a closed container and dispose of in garbage.
- Before washing, wipe FOG from pans with a paper towel.
- Catch food scraps with baskets or strainers in sink drains; throw scrapes in garbage.
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Visit Residents page for more ways to prevent SSOs.
"Can the FOG" Residential Kits Available
Residents can receive a FREE FOG kit for proper disposal of cooking grease that includes:
- Disposal tips card
- Pan scraper
- Can lid
- Refrigerator magnet with 24-hour hotline
To have a kit mailed to you, please Contact Us.
Restaurants and Building Owners Tips
- Recycle grease and oil.
- Dry wipe pots, pans, and dishware before washing.
- Do not pour FOG down sinks, floor drains, or onto parking lot or street.
- Check and maintain grease traps regularly.
- Never put solids into grease traps or interceptors.
- Provide regular employee training on proper disposal of FOG.
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Visit our Businesses page for more way to prevent SSOs.
Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain. CAN THE FOG.
External Links
There are currently no external links.
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 9/6/2017