FOG-Monster

What goes down your drain doesn’t disappear...

When we flush or drain items like grease, wipes, and paper towels they stick together in pipes, causing messy blockages that can affect your home, your neighborhood, and Onondaga County’s wastewater system. These clogs put extra strain on connected systems that lead to expensive household or neighborhood repairs. See below for a helpful starting point of what you should keep out of your plumbing. Keep it simple: When in doubt, throw it out.

Cease the Grease

Handling fats, oils, and grease properly at home is key to keeping your plumbing clear and our pipelines flowing smoothly.

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Typically, fats, oils, and grease are byproducts of cooking and food prep and can be found in many of the products we enjoy daily, including sauces, meats, and non-dairy substitutes. To properly dispose of hot fats, oils, and grease, pour them into a heat-resistant container, allow to cool, and dispose in the trash. Wipe oils from dishes or containers before washing or recycling. Use strainers to catch food scraps to prevent them from collecting in the sewer system.

Kitchen FOG - Fats

Fats

Dairy

Mayo

Dressings

Sauces

Soy

Kitchen FOG - Cooking Oils

Oils

Vegetable

Canola

Olive

Coconut

Sesame

Kitchen FOG - Meats

Grease

Bacon

Gravy

Trimmings

Drippings

Stock

Residential Grease Drop-Off

Monday - Friday / 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

For larger volumes of household grease, generally over a few gallons, Onondaga County residents can use our free drop-off service.

Waste Hauler Control Office

Metro Syracuse Wastewater Treatment

650 Hiawatha Blvd West, Syracuse, NY 13204

Enter Gate 1 at Hiawatha West + Pulaski Street

Turn right / Next building, on your left [Map]

For Industrial Wastewater Permits Learn more [Here]

Toilets are not Trashcans

Plumbing and wastewater systems are meant to only handle human waste and toilet paper, which quickly break down.

Unflushables...

Various household and personal care products don't break down when flushed or drained. These unflushables collect in pipes on soapy build-up and deposits of fats, oils, and grease (FOG), leading to sewer blockages and wastewater back-ups. Reduce plumbing issues by disposing all unflushables in the trash and using detergents and soaps as directed.

OCRRA: How do I get rid of...?

Onondaga County’s Resource Recycling Agency (OCRRA) has provided resources for proper disposal methods of common household items.

[Click here for disposal information from OCRRA]

Flushable Wipes - are not flushable

Bathroom

Cotton Balls

Cotton Swabs

Dental Floss

Hair

Tissues

Paper Towels

ALL Wipes

Baby, personal, cleaning...

should never be flushed.

Medication

Personal Care

Medication

Make-up

Sanitary Pads

Tampons

Diapers

Cologne

After Shave

Lotions

Hair Care

Body Oils

Vehicles

Around the Home

Household Cleaning

Engine Oil

Lawn Care

Pesticides

Animal waste

Cat Litter

Paints

Solvents

Detergents

Soaps