Fats, Oils & Grease

When food service providers improperly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG), byproducts may end up in wastewater treatment plants and storm water systems. FOG buildup in pipes can become as hard as concrete and may completely block pipes, resulting in back-ups of raw sewage and / or flooding.

For business and commercial disposal of FOG, view a list of local grease haulers. Please note, this list is provided for reference only; Washtenaw County does not endorse any of these companies, nor does it warrant the quality of work performed.

If you are a Washtenaw County Resident with leftover cooking oil, the Home Toxics Center accepts all cooking oils (canola, peanut, olive, vegetable, etc.) for reuse into biodiesel. The Home Toxics Center cannot accept materials from businesses, only from residential use. Oils must be liquid and pourable.

FOG Documents

  1. Fats, Oils and Grease Recycling and Disposal (PDF)
  2. What to do about FOG - Brochure for Food Service Providers (PDF)
FOG

FOG Facts

  • FOG clogs are caused when fats, oils or greases are dumped down the sewer lines. Once there, they can harden along pipe walls.
  • FOG pollution is also caused when FOG from leaking or overfilled recycling containers leaks or is hosed into storm drains.
  • Clogs can result in sewage overflow, health hazards, and environmental problems like water pollution.
  • Over 75% of sanitary sewer systems are working at 50% capacity due to FOG clogs.
  • FOG clogs cost the United States an extra $25 billion tax dollars a year.
  • You can save money with the proper use of a grease trap / interceptor or a disposal service. Sewer repair fees and cleanup costs can be much greater than a hauler's service fees.