When Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG) are flushed or dumped down the drain, they mix with other non-biodegradable items like wipes, diapers, and sanitary products to form FOG Monsters. FOG Monsters grow as they consume more debris, eventually obstructing the flow through pipes and causing severe sewer backups, overflows, and costly damage to the sewer infrastructure. Maintaining a clean and efficient sewer system starts at home.
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In the Kitchen
Typically, FOG is a byproduct of food preparation and cooking. Fats, oils, and greases can be found in many of the products we enjoy daily. To properly dispose of FOG, allow fats, oils, and greases to cool and solidify before disposing in the trash or wipe FOG out of pots and pans and off of dishes before placing dishes in the sink or rinsing containers for recycling. Using sink strainers to catch food scraps and other debris also prevent them from entering the sewer system. |
Cooking Oils
Vegetable
Canola
Olive
Coconut
Peanut
Sesame
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Meats
Bacon Grease
Chicken Stock
Beef Stock
Gravy
Meat Trimmings
Turkey Drippings
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Fats
Mayonnaise
Salad Dressings
Lard
Sauces
Soups
Stews
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Dairy
Butter
Milk
Cream
Cheeses
Sour Cream
Yogurt
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Vegetables
Margarine
Vegetable Stock
Nut/Grain Milks
Dairy Substitutes
Juices / Smoothies
Tofu
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In the Bathroom
What we flush matters -- whether it contributes to FOG Monsters or pollution. Prevent FOG by throwing these items in the trash, including "flushable" wipes. These items don't break down and when combined with fats, oils, and grease, FOG Monsters grow, plugging sewers, reducing capacity, and causing basement backups. |
Paper Products
Tissues
Paper Towels
Baby Wipes
Makeup Wipes
Flushable Wipes
...are not flushable |
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Cotton Products
Diapers
Sanitary Pads
Tampons
Cotton Balls
Swabs
Pads |
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Toiletries
Cosmetics
Creams
Lotions
Oils
Colognes
After Shave |
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Other Items
Hair
Bandages
Medication
Floss/Toothpicks
Nail Polish
Acetone |
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Please Don't...
Condoms
Fish
Gum
Food
Cat Litter
Animal Poop |
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Laundry & Cleaning
Cleaning products don’t typically clog pipes - as long as you're using the recommended amount. Too much of any soapy liquids or powders cleaners will lead to build-up inside plumbing and sewer pipes. Here is a laundry list of soaps and detergents that can contribute to clogs over time. You can help by pre-treating stains to remove as much grease as possible and sticking to the recommended amount of detergent can keep these pipelines clear. |
Laundry
Liquid Detergent
Fabric Softener
Stain Removers
Untreated Grease Stains |
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Kitchen
Dishwashing Liquid
Dishwasher Detergent
Degreasers
Oven/Grill Scrubs |
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Household
All-Purpose Cleaners
Oil Soap
Wood Polish
Car Wash Soap |
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Bathroom
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Scrubbing Cleansers
Tube & Tile Cleansers
Bleach |
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Personal
Bubble Bath
Conditioner
Body Wash
Pet Shampoo |
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Garage, Basement & Beyond
There’s a variety of common household items that should never be poured down the drain because they contribute to pollution and clogs. Onondaga County’s Resource Recycling Agency (OCRRA) has provided resources for proper disposal methods of common household items. Visit the OCRRA website to learn more. |
Home Upkeep
Primers
Paints
Stains
Sealants
Wallpaper Paste |
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Home Maintenance
Caulk
Cement
Adhesives
Thinners
Solvents |
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Lawncare
Fertilizers
Weed Killers
Herbicides
Pesticides
Lawn Chemicals |
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Vehicles
Windshield Washer Fluid
Anitfreeze
Lubricants
Grease
Oil |
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Small Engines
Lubricants
Grease
Oil
Gas |
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These are just some examples of Fats, Oils, and Greases around the home.
Help keep the sewers running clear and Don't Feed the FOG Monster!
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