Holiday Reminder: Keep Fats, Oils and Grease Out of Drains

As holiday cooking ramps up, Manatee County officials are reminding residents to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to help prevent sewer backups and costly plumbing problems.

Pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain may seem harmless, but once cooled, these substances can harden and stick to pipes. Over time, FOG buildup can clog household plumbing, damage lift stations, and lead to sewage backups that affect homes, businesses, and entire neighborhoods.

Residents are encouraged to allow fats, oils, and grease to cool and solidify, then dispose of them in the trash rather than rinsing them down sinks or drains. Scraping plates and cookware into the trash before washing can also help reduce buildup in pipes.

Proper FOG disposal is essential during the holiday season, when increased cooking places additional strain on the wastewater system. By taking a few simple steps, residents can help protect local infrastructure, avoid expensive repairs, and keep the community’s sewer system running smoothly.

More information on wastewater protection and proper disposal practices is available at mymanatee.org.