Cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the leading causes of sewer pipe clogs. When poured down sinks, drains, or toilets, FOGs eventually cool, harden, and build up on the inner walls of sewer lines. As sewage flow is restricted, it can back up in your home, on your property, or even in the street.
Protect your pipes, your home, and the Monterey Bay! Don't let items like these down your drains:
After cooking, let your fats, oils, and grease cool. For small amounts of FOG, scrape or wipe the pan. For larger amounts, scrape it into a covered disposable container. Either way, throw the bi-product into your TRASH.
You can now compost food scraps — lots of different kinds — in your green curbside cart. It's part of our fulfillment of the new state climate law, and it mean we'll cut methane (a greenhouse gas) which is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Plus, your food scraps will become valuable compost! Use your YARD TRIMMINGS/GREEN CART for any food scraps, bones, or leftovers without a bag. Use the Acceptable Food Scraps (PDF) to learn more about what can go in your green cart.
Leftover turkey fryer oil? No problem. Residents may take up to 15 gallons of used cooking oil to their local landfill's hazardous waste collection facility – FREE OF CHARGE. Complete details at ReGen Monterey or Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority.
The Southern Monterey Bay Dischargers Group is a consortium of wastewater collection system owners and wastewater treatment jurisdictions located in Monterey County. Collection system owners are responsible for maintaining their sewer lines and preventing overflows to protect the public health and the environment. Public education is a component of their comprehensive programs.
