Fats, Oils, and Grease

About

The goal of the Fat, Oil and Grease (FOG) program is to help protect the City's sewer infrastructure from blockages and backups. Sources of FOG include things like vegetable and other cooking oils, dairy products, and fat from cooking meat. The City's FOG program works with local food service establishments, industrial customers and local residents to reduce their contribution of FOG to the City's sewer system. Keeping FOG out of our sewer network helps reduce the cost of sewer service.

FOG Prevention

Following tips for homeowners, businesses, organizations and restaurants can help reduce the amount of FOG entering the sewer system and avoid expensive sewer backups, and plumbing emergencies, while helping protect water quality in our community.

Do

• Properly dispose of cooking oil by pouring it into a heat-proof, sealable container and placing the sealed container in the trash.
• Scrape food scraps into the trash, not the sink.
• Wipe pots, pans, and dishes with dry paper towels  before rinsing or washing them. Then throw away the paper towels.
• Use a sink strainer to catch food items, then empty the strainer into the trash.

Don't

• Don't use a garbage disposal or food grinder. Grinding food up does not remove FOG.
• Don't pour cooking oil, pan drippings, bacon grease, salad dressings, or sauces down the sink or toilet.
• Don't use cloth towels or rags to scrape plates or clean greasy or oily dishware. When you wash them, the grease will end up in the sewer.

Food Service Establishments (FSEs)

All FSE's connected to the City of Elkhart's sewer system are required to register. An FSE seeking registration must complete the following:

• Submit a FOG Registration Application (PDF)
• Install an adequate FOG control device
• Implement best management practices
• Pass an inspection by the Pretreatment Program
• Have a FOG spill plan
• Submit records of County Health Department and plumbing inspector approvals

An FSE must notify the City of remodeling or a change in ownership or operations. Each FSE must keep maintenance records relating to its FOG control device.