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Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)

Learn how to properly dispose of cooking fats, oils, and grease to prevent sewer backups, protect infrastructure, and avoid costly property damage.

What is FOG?

FOG refers to the residue leftover from cooking and kitchen cleanup. These substances may seem harmless when liquid and warm, but as they cool, they solidify and stick to pipe walls, gradually narrowing the passage until blockages occur.

Common Sources of FOG

Cooking Oils

Vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, and other cooking oils

Meat Fats

Bacon grease, beef fat, poultry skin drippings

Dairy Products

Butter, margarine, cream, cheese sauces

Baking Goods

Shortening, lard, and baking fats

Why FOG is a Problem

Anything put down the drain, garbage disposal, or toilet combined with FOG can block the flow of wastewater through the pipe, forcing it back up the drain.

When FOG builds up in sewer lines, it can cause complete blockages that result in:

  • Raw sewage backing up into homes and businesses
  • Sewage flowing onto streets and sidewalks
  • Thousands of dollars in property damage
  • Health and safety hazards for residents

What You Can Do

Follow these basic practices in the kitchen to help reduce FOG in the sewer system:

DO NOT

  • Pour hot grease down the drain - Even with hot water, grease will solidify in pipes
  • Pour used cooking oil down the drain - Oil coats pipes and traps other debris
  • Wash food scraps down the drain - Use the garbage can instead
  • Grind FOG in the garbage disposal - Disposals don't eliminate FOG, they just break it into smaller pieces that still cause blockages

DO

  • Collect used cooking oil in a container with a lid and place in the trash can for disposal
  • Scrape plates over the trash can before washing dishes
  • Use mesh drain strainers to catch remaining solid food scraps for disposal in the trash
  • Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing
  • Let grease cool and solidify in a container, then dispose of it in the garbage

Commercial FOG Requirements

Commercial food service establishments must comply with City of Brownsville ordinances regarding FOG abatement.

Grease Trap/Interceptor Requirements

Food service establishments are typically required to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors to prevent FOG from entering the sewer system.

  • Size and type requirements depend on the establishment
  • Regular cleaning and maintenance is mandatory
  • Records must be kept and may be inspected
New Business Requirements

If you're opening a new food service business or renovating an existing one:

  • Submit plumbing plans to the Pretreatment Department
  • Grease abatement devices may be required before connection
  • Contact the Pretreatment Department at 956-983-6510 for guidance
Compliance Resources

Report a Problem

If you notice signs of a sewer backup or overflow in your neighborhood:

Report Emergencies to (956) 983-6300 or online using our report an issue tool