When FOG (Fat, Oil and Grease) enters our sewer system, it cools and hardens, clinging to pipe walls. Over time it builds up and leads to blockages in the system lines. These blockages prevent the normal flow of waste water and eventually cause overflows, resulting in damage to homes, businesses and the environment. We need your help in disposing of FOG in safer, more environmentally-friendly methods.
DO keep grease out of your wash water. Scrape excess off dishes, pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them.
DO put oil and grease in collection containers and dispose of in the trash.
DO place food scraps in the garbage.
DO reuse your cooking oil and grease.
DON'T pour fat, oil and grease down the drain. Flushing it with hot water or soap doesn't help.
DON'T put oily, greasy foods down the garbage disposal.
DON'T use the drain as a means of disposing of foods.
DON'T pour grease down storm drains.
Over 30% of North Carolina sewer overflows are caused by FOG.
The majority of FOG-related sewer overflows originate in residential areas. Clogged sewer pipes can release sewage into local waterways, harming the environment.
Sewer backups into homes create a health hazard as well as an unpleasant mess that can cost thousands of dollars to clean up.
A gallon of oil poured down a storm drain can contaminate up to one million gallons of water.
With your help, we can reduce FOG-related blockages and help preserve the environment.
Union County Public Works has developed and is now implementing its program for restaurant owners and operators to reduce FOG. Our goal is to create a seamless transition for you to meet the program's guidelines. We look forward to working with you to protect our environment, streams and rivers, businesses and homes from FOG-related backups and overflows.