Around this time of year more people are cooking at home. Goleta West Sanitary District (GWSD) wants to remind us not to put fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain because it can lead to major problems for homeowners and GWSD. FOG, a byproduct of cooking, is found in things such as meat fats, cooking oil, lard, shortening, butter and margarine. If put down the drain, it can stick to the inside of sewer pipes and over time, build up and 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.

Learn more at https://goletawest.org/customer-information/environmental-programs.