Spring Lake Improvement District has seen more fats, oils, and grease (FOG) at its wastewater treatment plant, creating process control issues and increasing on-site time and solids hauling. Because cooking grease can damage both household plumbing and sewer systems, proper disposal is important.

Consequences of Improper Grease Disposal

Pouring grease down the sink can damage home plumbing and public sewer systems. As it cools, it hardens and sticks to pipe walls, narrowing the path for wastewater. Hot water and dish soap may move grease temporarily, but it will cool and harden again farther down the line. Over time, buildup causes slow drains and costly clogs. In city sewers, FOG helps form large blockages called fatbergs when it mixes with debris like wipes. These obstructions are expensive to remove and can cause sewage backups and water pollution, so grease should never enter the drain system.

Methods for Collecting Used Cooking Grease

Let grease cool before moving it from the pan. It should be safe to handle but still liquid enough to pour. Pour cooled grease into a sealed container, such as a metal can, glass jar, or sturdy carton. For frequent use, a metal grease container with a strainer can make storage easier. For small amounts, wipe the pan with a paper towel and throw it away. You can also mix liquid grease with absorbent material like cat litter, flour, or sawdust so it can be discarded as a solid.

Handling Stored Grease and Recycling

When the container is full, either seal it and place it in the household trash or take it for recycling. Make sure the container is closed tightly to prevent leaks. Recycling is the better environmental option because used grease can be turned into biodiesel, soap, cosmetics, and other products.

To recycle cooking grease, contact your local waste provider for approved drop-off sites or curbside programs. Follow local container rules so the material can be sent for processing.

The District is not affiliated with any hauling company. However, a known local option for residential and commercial grease disposal is:

 

Sapp Environmental Services, LLC

1351 Industrial Way, Sebring, FL. 33870

(863) 465-4567

 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION