Cease the Grease

Cease the Grease

FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) are a natural consequence of cooking and also occur naturally in many foods. FOG can be found in cooking oil and shortening, meat fats and juices, dairy products, just to name a few. FOG clogs occur when grease is washed into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink, and gets stuck inside pipes once it cools and solidifies.

Even small amounts of FOG stick to sewer pipes and accumulate over time, restricting or blocking the flow of sewage. A sewer backup can overflow into streets and into homes, creating public health hazards and potentially damaging properties, the environment and local waterways.

FOG shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. Because Placer County uses the One Big Bin approach to trash and recycling, all waste – including things that can be recycled – goes into a single bin. Adding FOG to the bin could inadvertently contaminate valuable recyclable materials.

How to Save Your Pipes

  • Scrape greasy pans and dishes into the trash before washing
  • Use sink strainers to catch food items and empty into the trash
  • Pour FOG into a sealable, non-breakable container and take advantage of one of the available free FOG disposal options

FOG Disposal Options

Free pick-up service for FOG is available from the cities of Lincoln and Roseville, SPMUD, and from Recology Auburn Placer for their customers in the Cities of Colfax and Auburn, and for some areas of unincorporated Placer County. Residents simply call to schedule a pick-up time at their home.

  • Roseville: (916) 774-5780
  • Auburn: (530) 885-3735 (Recology Auburn Placer)
  • Colfax: (530) 885-3735 (Recology Auburn Placer)
  • SPMUD: (916) 786-8212 (Rocklin, Loomis, Penryn and Newcastle)
  • Lincoln: (916) 434-2450

Free drop-off locations for FOG are available to those who don’t live in an area where pick-up service is available.

Preparing for Your FOG Pickup

  1. All cooking fats, oils or grease should be allowed to cool to room temperature.
  2. Place cooled fats, oils or grease in a clear plastic container with a screw on lid.
  3. All containers should be clearly marked “food grease” on the outside of the container.
  4. Containers should only contain cooking related fats, oils and grease and no other material such as food scraps, water and garbage.