Commercial Kitchen Grease Control

PROBLEM:  Approximately 60% of all sewer blockages are caused by grease in the system. Oil and grease will solidify as soon as they hit cold water in the sewage pipes and can cause a blockage. These blockages can result in raw sewage spilling into our waterways and ocean. Even mixing grease with warm soapy water doesn’t prevent clogs.

SOLUTION:   The City has adopted Ordinance 07-OR0021 regulating commercial kitchen grease disposal. However, a review of those areas that do experience blockage problems reveals that many of them are in residential areas. Residents should also use proper grease disposal techniques as follows:

• Never put any kind of grease or oil, whether it’s frying oil, salad oil, cooking grease or motor oil, into the sewage system by dumping it down the sink, in a toilet or into a storm drain.
• Put excess cooking oil or grease into a container and throw it into the trash.
• Wipe out greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them.
• Don’t use the garbage disposal to grind fat trimmings – wrap them up and put them into the trash.
• Recycle used motor oil.