The holidays are almost here and it’s important to remember not to put your fats, oils, and greases (also known as FOG) down the drain.

Goleta West Sanitary District (GWSD) supports efforts to keep its wastewater system free of FOG. Fats, oils, and greases are a byproduct of cooking and are found in such things as meat fats, cooking oil, lard, and shortening, butter and margarine. When grease is washed down the drain, it sticks to the inside of sewer pipes (both on your property and in the streets.) Over time, it builds up and can block an entire pipe.

Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the pipes, they only shred it into smaller pieces. Commercial additives, including detergents that claim to dissolve grease, may pass it down the line and cause problems away from the source. But the results of a grease-blocked sewer pipe can be sewage overflows in your home or neighborhood resulting in expensive and unpleasant cleanups; possible exposure with disease-causing organisms; or an increase in maintenance costs at GWSD.

How to dispose of your FOG:

• Pour FOG into a covered disposable container—such as glass, plastic or a sturdy plastic bag. Store it in the freezer and then 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 a compost bin or in the trash.
• FOG waste should only be put in the trash.