The Hidden Cost of Holiday Feasts: Why You Shouldn’t Pour Grease Down the Drain
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and indulgent meals. From golden turkeys to creamy casseroles, these festive feasts leave us with full stomachs—and often, leftover fats, oils and cooking grease (FOG). While it may seem harmless to pour grease down the sink for a quick cleanup, this habit can lead to serious consequences for your home and the broader community.
When hot grease is poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet, it may appear to flow freely. However, as it cools, FOG solidifies and sticks to the walls of pipes. This sticky residue traps other debris, eventually creating stubborn blockages. Over time, these blockages can grow large enough to obstruct the entire pipe, leading to costly plumbing repairs for homeowners.
But the problem doesn’t stop at your sink. On a larger scale, the cumulative effect of a whole community disposing of grease and fats down the drain can overwhelm municipal sewer systems in the form of massive collections of fat known as “Fatbergs”. Fatbergs form when FOG mixes with non-biodegradable waste like wet wipes and hygiene products in sewer systems. These congealed masses can weigh thousands of pounds and stretch for miles underground.
Fatbergs cause serious disruptions to sewer systems, leading to backups, flooding, and expensive emergency repairs. During the holidays, when large amounts of fatty waste are generated, the problem is amplified. Municipalities across the country report spikes in sewer blockages and treatment plant issues during this time of year.
Environmental and Economic Consequences
When sewers back up due to FOG related clogs, untreated wastewater can overflow into basements or streets, rivers, and streams, polluting local waterways. This not only threatens ecosystems but can also contaminate drinking water supplies.
Financially, the impact is staggering. Sewer system repairs and maintenance due to FOG blockages cost municipalities millions annually. These costs are often passed on to taxpayers through higher rates and fees.
The good news is that preventing grease-related clogs is simple. Here’s how you can do your part:
- Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease Properly– After cooking, let FOG cool and solidify in a container, such as an empty can or jar. Once solid, dispose of it in the trash.
Large amounts of oil from turkey fryers can be returned to the container the oil came in, sealed and disposed in the trash or recycled.
- Scrape Plates Before Washing– Use a spatula to scrape food scraps and grease into the trash before rinsing dishes.
- Use Strainers in Your Sink– Install a sink strainer to catch food particles and prevent them from entering your pipes.
- Recycle When Possible– Some communities offer oil recycling programs that turn cooking fats into biodiesel or other useful products. South Macon Township offers an Oil Drop Off Program at 110 S Wall St, Macon, IL 62544. You call (217) 764-3022 to verify hours or schedule an appointment.
- Educate Others– Share this knowledge with family and friends, especially during the holidays, to spread awareness about the importance of proper grease disposal.
The bottom line:
The simple act of properly disposing of cooking grease can make a world of difference. By keeping fats, oils, and grease out of our sinks, we can protect our homes, sewer systems, and the environment from the costly and harmful effects of clogs and fatbergs. Let’s all commit to minimizing these impacts by doing our part to keep our drains cleaner this holiday season.