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The holidays are a special time for family, friends, and specially prepared dishes. We love our baked and fried meats, latkes, doughnuts, pies, puddings and sweets. As we begin to prepare these meals, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works again reminds citizens to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG).
FOG-laden wastewater, when discharged into the City’s sanitary sewer system, accumulates in the pipes and creates sewer backups, usually through kitchen and bathroom fixtures. These blockages can also result in sanitary sewer overflows, which pollute streets and streams.
To keep your wastewater flowing away from your house, make sure your FOG goes “From the Pan to the Can.”
Instead of pouring grease from pots and pans down drains, sinks, toilets, or storm drains, pour your cooled cooking oil and animal fat into the garbage or a container such as a metal can. Prior to washing pots, pans, and dishes, wipe away the FOG and dispose of the FOG-laden rags, napkins, or paper towels in the garbage.
Dish soaps and hot water are only temporary solutions. The FOG congeals again when the water cools and the soap separates from the grease.
The DPW has a program in place to control the amount of FOG discharged into the City’s sanitary sewer system by commercial food service establishments. DPW inspectors visit these establishments to educate food service workers on the proper management and handling of FOG. But we need voluntary compliance by our residents to help keep our pipes clear of grease.
Citizens can learn more about the proper disposal of FOG by going to the Wastewater tab at www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org.
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