Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

Where does FOG come from?


Most of us know grease as a byproduct of cooking. Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) are found in such things as: 
  • Meat Fats
  • Lard
  • Cooking oil
  • Shortening
  • Butter and margarine
  • Food scraps
  • Baking goods
  • Sauces
  • Dairy products

FOG in the Plumbing


Too often, grease is washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets). Over time, the grease can build and block the entire pipe. Home 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. Commercial additives, including detergents that claim to dissolve grease may pass grease down the line and cause problems in other areas.

The results of a grease blocked sewer pipe can be:
  • Raw sewage overflowing in your home or your neighbor’s home;
  • An expensive and unpleasant cleanup that often must be paid for by you, the homeowner;
  • Potential contact with disease-causing organisms;
  • An increase in operation and maintenance costs the city sewer department, which causes higher sewer bills for customers.

Approved FOG Treatment System Fact Sheets for Commercial/Industrial Applications



Questions


If you have any questions please call (510)620-6594.

For the details about FOG refer to Richmond Municipal Code starting at 12.18.030.2.