Can the Grease

Fats, oils and greases aren’t just bad for arteries and waistlines – they’re bad for sewers too. When you discard your cooking oil, butter, pan drippings, dairy products, sauces and more down your kitchen drain, it accumulates inside the sewer pipes making it difficult for wastewater to flow freely to the wastewater treatment plant.

 

When wastewater can’t make its way through the sewer pipes, it overflows into the streets, lawns, storm drains – even into our homes.

 

In addition to sewer spills and backups, pouring grease down the drain can cause rancid smells, potential contact with bacteria and viruses that can cause illness; expensive cleanup and repairs and higher operating and maintenance costs for Conway Corp potentially resulting in higher sewer bills for you.

 

The good news? Sewer backups and overflows are preventable if you simply Can the Grease! When you’re finished cooking, pour cooled oil, fats and grease into a can. Place a lid provided by Conway Corp on top to seal. When the can is full, remove lid to reuse and throw can away. Visit the Conway Corp office downtown to get your free Conway Corp Can the Grease lid. 

 

What shouldn’t I put down the drain? 
Fats, oils and grease from food preparation, packaged foods and food scraps.

 

Where does it come from?
Meat fats and juices, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter, margarine, food scraps, baking goods, olive oil, dressing, sauces and dairy products.

 

Why shouldn’t these go down the drain?
Fats, oils and grease stick to the insides of sewer pipes when washed down the kitchen plumbing system. This solidifies and can block pipes. Clogged pipes cause sewer backups and sewage spills on residential property and on the street.

 

How does it affect me?
Improper fats, oils and grease disposal leads to costly sewer backups and overflows, increased sewer rates, public health and environmental hazards as it washes down storm drains and into waterways.

 

What can I do? 
  • DO Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a dry paper towel and dispose of it in your kitchen scrap recycling or garbage.
  • DO Pour cooled oil, fats and grease into a can or other container with a tight lid (coffee can, glass jar or plastic container) and dispose of it in the garbage.
  • DO Use baskets or strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids – and dispose of them in the trash.
  • DON’T pour fats, oil or grease down the garbage disposal or sink drain.
  • DON’T use hot water to wash the grease down the drain.