Reminder from the Town: Freeze the Grease

Over the next few weeks, many households will be cooking more than usual as they prepare to host family members for the holidays. That’s why the Department of Public Utilities is asking residents to avoid sending fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain.

Any FOG that enters the plumbing system, whether through your kitchen sink or bathroom toilet, can thicken and block pipes, causing sewage to back up into homes. Proper disposal can save you an inconvenient (and expensive) visit from your plumber.

Here are some simple tips to protect your home from nasty sewer back-ups and save you money this holiday season:
• Store any used oil in a can and freeze it for reuse (make sure to strain out any food particles first). Oil can be kept for up to six months and reused for up to six hours of fry time.
• Pour used oil in a can and place it in the fridge. After the grease hardens, plop the can in the trash.

And remember, turkey grease isn’t the only thing you have to be mindful of this holiday season. Many other foods, like salad dressings, butter, ice cream and even baked goods contain large amounts of FOG that can wreak havoc on your sewer system. So be sure to dispose of these foods in the trash as well.

Courtesy of the City of Virginia Beach