Many of us spend more time in the kitchen during the holiday season than any other time of year. Goleta West Sanitary District would like to remind everyone that it is important to properly dispose of all Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG). Putting them down the drain can cause major problems for homeowners and beyond. A byproduct of cooking, FOG is found in things such as meat fats, cooking oil, lard and shortening, butter and margarine. When washed down the drain, it may stick to the inside of sewer pipes on your property and in the streets; over time it can build up and block pipes. Garbage disposals do not help keep the grease out of pipes; they only shred it into smaller pieces. A grease-blocked sewer pipe can back up into your home or neighborhood resulting in expensive and unpleasant clean-ups. Follow these steps to properly dispose of your FOG:

• Pour FOG into a heat resistant covered disposable container. Store it in the freezer and put it in the trash after it has hardened.
• Use paper towels to wipe greasy dishes before washing. Put the paper towels in the trash.
• Use sink strainers to catch food waste. Put food scraps in compost bin or in the trash.
• FOG waste should only be put in the trash.

For more information please visit www.GoletaWest.org.