Green Newton

Toss fats, oils and greasy foods into your trash container.

from the Boston Water and Sewer Commission  http://www.bwsc.org/Home/home.asp

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are one of the leading causes of sewer overflows. The easiest way to prevent blockages is to keep FOG out of the sewer system. Blockages due to coagulated grease in pipes are thought to be the leading cause of sanitary sewer overflows.

Garbage disposals, or food grinders, can be useful when used properly. The grinding of raw vegetables and certain other discarded food products not cooked with grease, butter or oils are potentially useful when transported to the sewer treatment plant as they can be recycled in an environmentally useful manner. Conversely, the grinding of meat products, dairy products or other cooked foods allows grease to be temporarily ground and introduced into the sewer system.

Here’s how you can help prevent sewer backups:

• Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets or garbage disposals.
• Pour grease into a covered disposable container and put it into the trash
• Soak up remaining fats, oils and grease with paper towels and dispose with your trash.
• Before you wash dishes, scrape meats and food with fat and grease into the trash.
• Put baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids, and empty the drain basket or strainer into the trash.
• Only use garbage disposals for fruits, vegetables, and organic waste.