Published: Jun 28, 2013 | 21:09 PM

Put Drains on Fat Free Holiday Diet

Today officially kicks off the season of holiday cooking and enjoyment of those culinary delights. Some might have the traditional turkey dinner and others might prefer ham or a roast. Deep frying turkey has become a favorite method for preparing the holiday bird in recent years. No matter how the meal is prepared, it will certainly generate fats, oils and grease, or FOG. A high-fat diet of grease and oil can be fatal to sewer systems.

“It’s very important that these bi-products of the holiday meal not be poured down the drain,” says David Pedersen, IRWD Executive Director of Operations. “Grease solidifies in pipes and is the main cause of sewer spills over the holidays.”

When oil and grease is poured down the drain, it sticks to pipes, and can cause sewer clogs. Worst case scenario, raw sewage could back up into your home. Dousing greasy dishes in soapy water doesn't eradicate the problem - dishwashing liquid only breaks the grease down into smaller particles; it doesn't "dissolve" it.

Here are some tips on how to dispose of fats, oils and grease and prevent costly repairs and spills:

• Place left over grease into containers with lids, such as jars, and place into a trash receptacle for pick up on trash day.
• Mix oils with absorbent materials, such as coffee grounds, put in a lidded container and dispose with the trash.
• If cleaning a greasy pan, pour grease into a container and wipe excess grease from the pan with paper towels. Place the towels into the trash.
• If using a deep fat fryer, mix oils with absorbent material, such as cat litter, or soak up excess oil with newspaper and put into the trash.
• If you live in an apartment building or condominium complex, ask your manager if the complex has a grease trap or grease interceptor and encourage them to maintain it properly. Do your part to keep grease out of the complex's sewer lines.

For more information about the FOG program, please visit our website.