> Home » OurEnvironment » WaterQuality

Residential Grease Campaign

Prevent the Clog • Can the F.O.G

The goal of GRU's Residential Grease Campaign is to prevent the blockage of wastewater pipes that can lead to a sanitary sewer overflow.

• When fats, oils and grease (F.O.G.s) are poured down drains, drain and wastewater pipes become blocked.
• When pipes are blocked wastewater is unable to reach the water reclamation facility and begins backing up and overflowing through manholes and into homes.
• When wastewater overflows it can cause numerous problems ranging from health, environmental, and safety concerns, foul odors, road closures, property damage, fines, and ultimately tax payers' money.
• The best way to discard of grease, fats and oils, is by pouring them in a metal can, letting it cool, and then throwing the can away in the garbage.

GRU is providing its customers with a free re-useable plastic lid that can cover a wide array of metal can sizes. You can keep pouring your grease into the metal can and top it with the lid until the can is full and ready to be discarded. Lids can be picked up at the GRU Main Administrative Building located at 301 SE 4th Ave, Gainesville Fl, 32601 until supplies run out.

The Residential Grease Campaign is part of an initiative of GRU's to take a proactive approach on the environment and utility efficiency. The remainder of this webpage will provide all the information and educational tools to help alleviate grease-related problems.

Where does grease come from?
Meat fats Lard Cooking oil Food scraps Baking goods	Shortening Sauces Dairy products Butter and margarine

Grease Do's Put oil and grease in covered collection container to be discarded in the garbage. Scrape food scraps from dishes into trash cans and garbage bags and dispose of properly. Remove oil and grease from dishes, pans, fryers, and griddles. Cool first before you skim, scrape, or wipe off excess grease. Pre-wash dishes and pans with cold water before putting them in the dishwasher. Cover kitchen sink with catch basket and empty into garbage can as needed. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products. Start a compost pile with scraps that aren’t meat products.

Grease Don'ts Put oil, grease, or food products down the drain. Run hot water over dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. Use the garbage disposal. Use harsh detergents or chemicals that can damage sewer lines.