The fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in our kitchens can be harmful to our sanitary sewer system and the environment when not disposed of properly. The Newport News Public Works Department and AskHRgreen.org want residents to know what to do and what not to do when it comes to FOG.

Byproducts like FOG come from many food sources including meats, nuts, plant/vegetable oils, dairy products, soups, gravies, condiments, sauces, pastas, poultry, etc. These byproducts cool immediately when poured down the drain and stick to and solidify on the insides of sewer pipes. FOG is insoluble in water so despite the use of hot water, detergent, or additives, it eventually builds up to create blockages. These blockages then lead to sanitary sewer overflows that are detrimental to the environment and to public health.

Residents can help keep oil out of their drains at home and out of the sewer system by pouring used grease into a heat safe container, placing it in the freezer to solidify, then tossing it in the trash. Alternatively, used grease can be poured back into the container it came in and taken it to the city’s Recovery Operations Center for disposal. The Center is located at 550 Atkinson Way and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Residents can also help by wiping down greasy pots, pans, dishes, and utensils with disposable towels before washing and by throwing food scraps in the trash rather than using the garbage disposal.

For more information on how to prevent harmful substances from being discarded into the sanitary sewer system visit askhrgreen.org or read the City of Newport News Sewer Ordinance.