FATS, OILS, & GREASE (FOG) CUSTOMER GUIDANCE

In an effort to reduce the potential for Sanitary Sewer Overflows, (SSO’s) the Public Works Staff of the Town of Tryon has compiled the following information to help educate our water and sewer customer concerning the best management practice for the disposal of household Fats, Oils and Greases, (FOG).

Each year thousand of gallons of untreated sewage are spilled from collection systems throughout the state of North Carolina because of poor management practices in commercial as well as residential disposal of FOG.

FOG’s introduced to sanitary sewers will result in substantial accumulation to the point of blockage and result in overflow of untreated sewage.

Each reported SSO could result in our community being fined by the Division of Water Quality.  Those fines as cost to the town must be paid from user fees.

It is the goal of the Utility to have no SSO’s to report from our collection system.  This will be possible only with the help of our customers.  Your cooperation will be appreciated.  If you have any questions please contact Joel Burrell, Public Works Director at (828) 859-6654.

NATURE OF FATS, OILS, & GREASES (FOG): Hydrophobic, Water Fearing, Naturally Floats, 8-12% lighter than water, Specific Gravity <H2O, Oleophilic, Naturally attracted to materials such as metal and plastics, Stickiness to sewer borne solids

 

DO DO NOT

Scrape excess grease into a container and dispose of it as solid waste in the garbage.

Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid waste, or start a compost pile.

Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid waste, disposable diapers, condoms and personal hygiene products that do not belong in the sewer system.

Promote the concept of “3 R’s, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

 

Pour fats, oils and grease from cooking down the drain.

Use toilet as a waste paper basket

Use the sewer as a means of disposing of waste food.

 

HOW TO DISPOSE OF GREASE

1.      Allow to cool.

2.      Use a container with a lid.

3.      Pour the cooled oil or grease into container.

4.      Place lid on container.

5.      Scrape or wipe cookware using paper towel or spatula into garbage before washing.

ITEMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE DISPOSED OF IN THE SEWER SYSTEM

Cooking Grease or Oil

Food Debris

Diapers

Cotton Balls

Kitty Litter

Acne pads

Dental Floss

Feminine Hygiene Products

Condoms

Band Aids

Paper Towels

Sanitary Wipes

Q-Tips

Rags

Plastic Drinking Straws

 

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