FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease)

Residential Resources

Proper Disposal of FOG at Home

When FOG goes down the drain in your home, it can stick to the insides of pipes, leading to blockages that result in:

• Messy sewer backups that can flood your home.
• Overflowing city sewers, creating health hazards in our community.
• Untreated wastewater flowing into local waterways, impacting our environment.

Here’s a list of common items that should never be disposed of down the drain:

• Butter and margarine
• Cooking oil
• Greasy food scraps (including meat fat and juices)
• Lard
• Sauces containing oil or grease
• Shortening

Follow these easy steps to keep your plumbing safe and your kitchen clean:

1. Collect and Dispose: Pour cooking oils and grease into a sealed container (like an empty milk or juice carton). Then, place it in the garbage.
2. Use Your Brown Bin: If you have food/yard waste service, place small amounts of meat scraps and greasy food waste in your brown food/yard waste container. If not, dispose of them in the trash.
3. Wipe Before You Wash: Use a paper towel or napkin to wipe pots, pans, and dishes to remove grease before washing them.
4. Clean Your Disposal: Use an eco-friendly recipe (like lemon wedges, ice cubes, or baking soda) to clean your garbage disposal and keep it running smoothly.
5. Remember: Grease goes in the garbage, not down your sink!

Special Disposal Options

If you have larger quantities of cooking oil (like from deep fryers), you can dispose of up to 10 gallons of oil for free at the City of Tacoma Household Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 3510 South Mullen Street.

FOG Resources for Commercial Businesses

Overview of Maintenance and Disposal Practices

To keep your restaurant running smoothly and protect the city’s sewer system, follow these key guidelines:

• Reduce Solids: Minimize the amount of solids entering your grease trap or interceptor.
• Regular Inspections: Inspect and clean grease traps frequently to ensure they are functioning properly.
• Licensed Haulers: Hire a licensed company to inspect and pump out grease interceptors regularly. Keeping maintenance records on-site is essential for reference and regulatory compliance.
• Preventive Measures: Collect waste cooking oil and grease in portable, lidded containers. Transfer the contents into drums or barrels for recycling.
• Wipe Before Washing: Always dry-wipe pots, pans, and dishware to remove visible grease before washing, disposing of the waste in the trash.
• Use Drain Screens: Install drain screens to capture food waste, ensuring proper disposal in the trash.

Grease Interceptor Maintenance

For large in-ground grease interceptors, proper maintenance is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Contact a Grease Hauler: Engage a professional to clean your grease interceptor.
2. Pump Out Accumulated Waste: Remove accumulated grease, settled solids, and remaining liquids from the device.
3. Scrape and Clean: Scrape the sides, lid, and baffles with a putty knife to remove as much grease as possible.
4. Inspect Components: Regularly check and repair any components of the interceptor.
5. Record Maintenance: Keep a detailed checklist of all cleaning and maintenance activities, which should be witnessed by an establishment owner or representative.

Understanding Grease Interceptor Sizing and Installation

To prevent blockages, it’s essential to install the correct type and size of grease interceptor based on your facility’s needs. Here’s a brief overview:

• Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors (HGIs): Suitable for establishments serving 40 meals or fewer per peak hour. These can be located inside or outside and must have flow restrictors.
• Gravity Grease Interceptors (GGIs): Required for larger facilities that exceed the meal threshold, typically installed, underground and must have a minimum capacity of 500 gallons.

Sizing Examples

• For a deli serving fewer than 40 meals per peak hour with a 3-compartment sink, a properly sized HGI would suffice.
• A fast-food restaurant serving over 40 meals per peak hour would need a GGI, with all kitchen fixtures draining into it.

Regulatory Compliance

Compliance with the City of Tacoma’s grease interceptor policies is critical. Ensure that your interceptor is watertight, made from durable materials, and accessible for inspections and cleaning. Plans for installing a grease interceptor must be submitted for city approval.