Fats. Oils and Greases (FOGs) Customer Guidance

In an effort to reduce the potential for Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) the Public Works staff of the Town of Magnolia, NC has compiled the following information to help educate our water and sewer customers concerning the best management practice for the disposal of household fats, oils, and greases (FOGs).

Each year thousands of gallons of untreated sewage are spilled from collection systems throughout the state of North Carolina because of poor management practices as well as residential disposal of FOGs.
FOGS introduced to sanitary sewers will result in substantial accumulation to the point of blockage and result in over overflow of untreated sewage.
Each reported SSO could result in our community being fined by the Division of Water Quality. Those fines are a cost to the utility and must be paid from user fees collected through the water billing process.
It is the goal of the Magnolia Public Works department to have no SSOs to report to the collection system. This will be possible only with the help of our customers. Your cooperation is much appreciated.

Did you know?

Most sanitary sewer backups occur between your home and the town’s sewer main? You can help prevent a costly and unsanitary overflow by following a few simple steps:

DO…

• Scrape excess grease into a container and dispose of it as solid waste in the garbage.
• Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid waste or start a compost pile.
• Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid waste, disposable diapers, condoms and person hygiene products that do not belong in the sewer system.
• Promote the concept of “3Rs”, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

DO NOT…

• Pour fats, oils, and grease from cooking down the drain.
• Use toilet as a wastepaper basket.
• Use the sewer as a means of disposing of waste food.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF GREASE

1. Allow to cool.
2. Use of container with a lid.
3. Pour the cooled oil or grease into container.
4. Place lid on container.
5. Scrape or wipe cookware using paper towel or spatula into garbage before washing.