Grease Prevention Program

FOG stands for fats, oils, and grease. While it may be associated with cooking, FOG mostly enters the drain during clean-up. Washing greasy pans, dishes, and utensils sends FOG down the drain, where it clings to the inside of pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe and restricts the flow of wastewater. 

The result? Potential sewage overflows in homes or neighborhoods, creating not only a major inconvenience but also a serious health hazard.

Where FOG Originates

Sources of FOG:

•  Meat fats (bacon, sausage)
•  Lard, cooking oil, butter or margarine
•  Food scraps
•  Baking products
•  Dairy products (milk, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, cheese)
•  Mayonnaise, salad dressings, other condiments

 Keep these foods out of all drains!

Challenges and Impacts

Once FOG is washed down drains, it meets cooler water temperatures and becomes solid. If not properly removed or prevented, this thickened FOG will travel into the sewer collection system where it will cling to pipe walls and attract other FOG particles and any other solids that encounter it. Over time, these buildups grow, restricting the flow of water to our Water Reclamation Plant.

Imagine a clogged artery in a human body—FOG acts the same way when it is in our collection system. As the blockage worsens, water is forced to find another route. This backup can lead to sewage being pushed back into your drains or out of manhole covers in roads and parking lots. When the untreated sewage spills in this way, it's called a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). These events are costly to clean up and expose people and the environment to harmful bacteria, viruses, and other hazards.

Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system. These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces and do not prevent grease from going down the drain. 

Residents can help prevent FOG-related sewer overflows and clogs by reducing the number of grease-laden foods going down their drains. Less FOG down the drain equals less FOG in the sewer collection system.

Business owners of grease-discharging facilities must install Grease Interceptors (GIs) that capture the FOG before it enters the public sewer system.  These can be purchased through GI manufacturers, and sizing suggestions should be calculated by a State-licensed plumber and submitted to the City of Bradenton Permitting Department before installation.

• NEVER pour grease down sink drains or toilets.
• Dispose of cooled cooking fats, oils, and grease by pouring them into a disposable container or onto a paper-lined surface to absorb, then place in the trash.
• Scrape food scraps and grease from dishes and pans into the garbage before washing.
• Use sink strainers or baskets to catch food scraps and dispose of them in the trash.
• Minimize garbage disposal use. Foods containing FOG can get caught in the plumbing and cause sewer backups.
• DO NOT use the toilet for anything that isn't human waste and bath tissue.

Preventing sewer backups will protect public health, the environment, and save everyone money. Sewer blockages that result in backups can:

• Cause sewage to back up into your home through sinks, drains, and toilets.

• Lead to overflows in streets, yards, parks, and waterways, creating public health risks and environmental damage.

• Result in costly cleanup and repairs due to the hazardous nature of the overflow and unpleasant odors.

• Increase the City’s operations and maintenance costs, potentially leading to higher sewer bills for all residents.