FOG - Fats, Oils and Grease - are a leading cause of clogged drains

As you prepare your meals for Thanksgiving and other holidays this season, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works reminds residents to avoid “fatbergs” and other plumbing obstructions by keeping cooking fats, oils and grease (FOG) out of drains.

As you prepare your turkey and other food, make sure your FOG goes “from the pan to the can.”  Instead of pouring grease down the kitchen sink, toilet, or storm drain, pour cooled cooking oil and grease from foods into a metal container or can. Let it cool, then put it in the trash.  Before you wash pots, pans and dishes, wipe away the FOG and dispose of the FOG-laden rags, napkins or paper towels.

Remember, dish soaps and hot water are only temporary solutions.  FOG will congeal again when the water cools and the soap separates from the grease.

Fog-laden wastewater clogs your pipes and creates sewer blockages and backups. You have heard in the news about fatbergs and the troubles they can cause in our sewer system.  This is where it starts, so let’s work to keep FOG and other items out of the sewer system all together.

While you’re thinking of it, here’s a partial list of things other than fats, oils, and grease to never put down a drain:

• Coffee grounds
• Egg shells
• Butter and margarine
• Dairy products
• Sauces and salad dressings
• Pasta or rice
• Flour
• Medicine
• Produce stickers
• Wipes

To learn more about the proper disposal of FOG, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.