Keep your holidays and the sewer system running smoothly with these proper food disposal tips
Sacramento, Calif.— As the holiday season approaches, the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) is urging residents to help prevent sewer backups, a common yet costly and disruptive issue that peaks during this time of year. Improper disposal of fats, oils and grease (F.O.G.) often leads to blockages, which can result in unpleasant sewer backups that disrupt holiday gatherings. To help keep festivities running smoothly, SacSewer reminds the community to follow two simple steps for safe F.O.G. disposal.
- Can it. Once cooled, put hardened fats, oils and grease into a sturdy container—like a leftover soup can. Then, put the container in the garbage.
- Scrape it. Scrape all food scraps including fatty and greasy leftovers into the organics cart, NOT down the drain.
When F.O.G.-containing items from holiday cooking—like food scraps, gravies and oils—go down kitchen sink drains and garbage disposals, they can cause blockages in sewer pipes that lead to overflows. F.O.G. cools and solidifies, sticking to the sewer pipes. Over time, F.O.G. restricts sewage flow and can cause a sewer backup into customers’ homes and businesses.
For large amounts of cooking oil—like what’s needed for deep-fried turkeys—pour the cooled liquid oil back into gallon jugs and make sure the lid is screwed on or taped shut. Check with your local waste service provider to determine the proper disposal method or visit SacSewer.com/sactown-clog-squad for a listing of local F.O.G. recycling sites.
For more tips on proper F.O.G. disposal, visit sacsewer.com/stop-clog. Are you experiencing a sewer problem—like a slow drain or backup? Call SacSewer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—even on holidays—at (916) 875-6730.
Watch to learn about these clogging crooks and how to prevent them from ruining your holiday cheer!
