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The build up of fats, oils and grease in the sewer system causes sewer blockages. This eventually results in sewer backups that can overflow onto streets and into homes, damaging property and the environment. Untreated sewage can flow into storm drain inlets, creeks, lakes or rivers. Most overflows are relatively small and can be stopped and cleaned up quickly. If not addressed, overflows can result in property damage, strong odors, and environmental, health and safety problems.

In neighborhoods that experience sewer blockages and backups due to fats, oils and grease sewer system maintenance is expensive and can contribute to increasing costs for sewer service.

Did you know that approximately 85 percent of grease-related sewer blockages and overflows originate in residential areas? All households play an important role in preventing neighborhood sewer system blockages. Cobb County’s goal is to take a proactive approach to pollution prevention which focuses on proper FOG disposal, thus protecting the environment and decreasing sewer maintenance costs.  Click here to download our FOG Fact Sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is FOG?

A: FOG refers to fats, oil, and grease, which are the natural by-products of food preparation and cooking or baking. When poured down the drain, they can form clogs and blockages that lead to sewer overflows.

FATS	OIL	GREASE
Fats typically come from meat and dairy sources but can also come from plant sources, such as nut butters. It is usually in solid form at room temperature and can be thrown directly into the trash.  Placing these foods in the garbage disposal only reduces the size of the food, not the likelihood of creating a clog.  If you are not sure whether something contains fat, check the nutrition label.	Oil comes from plant sources such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil, corn oil, etc. It may be used as a topping on food, such as salads or sandwiches, or used to cook food, such as deep frying. It remains liquid at room temperature. Used oil should be poured into a can or jar before disposal.  If it is poured down the drain, oil can coat pipes and get into nooks and crannies, creating a slick surface that fats and grease stick to easily.	Grease occurs when fats from food melt under heat such as frying, boiling and baking, etc. Grease is deceptive because it is a liquid after cooking, but eventually cools into a solid. Sometime after pouring it down the drain it will cool on the pipes in the collection system, then harden, and start a clog.
Unclogging Strategy: Place fats directly in the trash or another container before placing in the trash can for proper disposal.	Unclogging Strategy: Pour used oil into a jar or can with a lid before placing in the trash can. Hot water and soap do not eliminate oil; it will eventually reform in pipes.	Unclogging Strategy: Pour liquid grease into a grease can or other container with a lid and place in the trash once it has cooled. Running hot water over greasy cookware in the sink only pushes it into the pipes where it hardens.
SOURCES: MEAT TRIMMINGS POULTRY SKIN  CHEESES  ICE CREAM  PEANUT BUTTER  BUTTER	SOURCES: SALAD DRESSING  COOKING OIL  VEGETABLE OIL  CANOLA OIL  OLIVE OIL  CORN OIL	SOURCES: COOKED/MELTED FAT FROM MEAT  BACON/SAUSAGE  SKIN FROM BOILED POULTRY  GRAVY  MAYONNAISE/  SALAD DRESSING

Q: What is a collection system?

A: The collection system is a network of pipes and pump stations that moves wastewater from homes and businesses to one of the County’s water reclamation facilities (WRF).

Wastewater comes from everyday activities we all do, such as washing dishes, taking a shower, running the washing machine, and of course, flushing the toilet. Anything that goes down a drain enters the collection system.

Q: How exactly does FOG clog up a pipe?

A: As a warm liquid, FOG goes down the drain easily. But once it cools, it sticks to sewer pipes and builds up over time.

Anything put down the drain, or garbage disposal, or flushed in the toilet (besides toilet paper) combined with FOG, can block the flow of wastewater through the pipe forcing it back up the drain resulting in flooding of a home, a street, or a stream with wastewater.

Q: Does soap take care of FOG?

A: FOG does not mix with water. Detergents separate from the FOG after a period of time, and cling to the pipes, restricting the flow of wastewater.

Q: If I don’t have an overflow, does FOG affect me?

A: Yes! If you are connected to the collection system, you have a vested interest in the reliability and life span of the system and treatment plants. Even if you never experience a FOG-related overflow, a portion of your monthly water bill payment funds the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the system.

In addition, the potential for ecological damage to the County’s waterways that contribute to the quality of life for all residents.

Q: What should I do with leftover oil or grease?

A: Once it has cooled, place used oil or grease into a container with a top. Dispose of the container in the garbage.

Q: What foods are sources of FOG?

A: Food scraps, meat trimmings, poultry skin, the “skim” from soups and gravies, cooking oils, lard and shortening, salad dressings, sauces and marinades, dairy products including ice cream, butter and margarine. See table.

Q: What can I do to reduce FOG?

A: Following these basic practices in the kitchen:

Q: Who can I contact for additoinal FOG information?

A: Cobb County's Grease Management Program coordinates FOG education and enforcement activities. They are located in the Office of Environmental Compliance and can be contacted at fog@cobbcounty.org.