Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

Sewer back-ups and overflows are frequently caused by improper materials such as fats, oils and grease (FOG) being placed into the sewer system. Since fats, oils and grease are lighter than water; they tend to accumulate at the top and sides of sewer pipes and can build up until a blockage occurs. They also tend to solidify as they cool inside pipes. If a blockage occurs, the sewer backs up or overflows resulting in property and environmental damage.

What Can You Do?

  • Put fats, oils and greese into an empty, heat-safe ontainer and store it in the freezer. Toss the cooled can into the garbage.
  • Scrape your food waste into the trash.
  • Catch scraps in your sink with a basket or strainer
  • Let oil and grease cool on dishes, pans and griddles. Then, wipe them with a paper towel before washing them. 
  • Use environmentally safe cleaning products to avoid damaging sewer lines.
  • Bring your used cooking oil to one of our five convenient recycling stations (see below)

 

Riverside Water Treatment Plant
200 Colcord Ave
24-hour access
(254) 750 8040

Mt Carmel Water Treatment Plant
5701 Lakeshore Dr
24-Hour Access
(254) 750-1654

Cobbs Convenience Center
2021 N. 44th St 
Between Cobbs & Trice
Monday - Saturday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(254) 751-8536

WMARSS Central Treatment Plant
1147 Treatment Plant Rd
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(254) 299-2450

Street Services
7801 Monkey Run Rd
24-Hour Access
(254) 750-8690

Keeping FOG from going down the drain isn't just about the sewer system, though. It can save you money too! Most sewer back-ups occur between the house and the City's sewer main, where the property owner is responsible for correcting the problem.

For more information about the City of Waco's efforts to reduce FOG, call Wastewater Pre-Treatment at: (254) 299-2450.

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