Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
When Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) go down the drain, it builds up in the pipes, causing clogs. These clogs can cause a sewer pipe to break or back up into the street, causing a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO).
- Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) + Food Waste = Clogged Sewer Pipes
- Clogged Sewer Pipes = Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
- SSOs = Trouble in our Streets
SSOs are trouble for everyone. They contain harmful bacteria that is unhealthy for people and pets that might come in contact with them. SSOs are usually cleaned up at the site, but they can spill into the gutter and storm drain system before we can get there. Raw sewage in our waterways causes pollution that kills wildlife, causes foul odors, and makes our waterways unsafe to enter. More information on how FOG affects our sewers can be found in our "Fats,Oils, Grease" video (4/29/10) 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. Here are some ways that you can help prevent SSOs.
In the Home
- Never pour grease down sinks, drains, or the toilet.
- Collect cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into a container and dispose of them in the garbage.
- Before washing, wipe FOG from pans with a paper towel.
- Catch food scraps with baskets or strainers in sink drains. Throw scrapes in the garbage.
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Visit our Residents page for more information on preventing SSOs.
Can the FOG - Residential Kits Available
Residents can receive a FREE FOG kit for proper disposal of cooking grease.
The kit includes:
- Tip card with disposal tips
- Pan scraper
- Can lid
- Refrigerator magnet with 24-hour hotline number
To request a kit be mailed to you, please Contact Us.
Restaurants and Building Owners
- Recycle grease and oil.
- Dry wipe pots, pans, and dishware prior to washing.
- Do not pour FOG down sinks, floor drains, or onto a parking lot or street.
- Use a grease trap or interceptor that is designed, installed, and maintained correctly.
- Never put solids into grease traps or interceptors.
- Check and maintain grease traps regularly.
- Provide regular training to employees on proper disposal of FOG.
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Visit our Businesses page for more information on preventing SSOs.
Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the drain - Can the Fog.
External Links
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This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 8/16/2012