Goleta West Sanitary District wants to remind everyone to keep fats, oils, and greases (FOG) out of home and commercial pipes. Improper disposal can lead to blocked sewer lines and pollution to creeks, wetlands, and the ocean. During the holidays many people spend extra time cooking in the kitchen; fats, oils and greases are a byproduct of cooking and are found in things such as meat fats, cooking oil, lard and shortening, butter and margarine. When washed down the drain, they may stick to the inside of sewer pipes on your property and in the streets. Over time FOG 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, possible exposure with disease causing-organisms, and an increase in maintenance costs at Goleta West Sanitary District.

To properly dispose of your FOG (fats, oils, and greases), follow these steps:

• 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.