Fats, oils, and grease are problems for the wastewater system. When
hot oil is poured down a drain, or greasy wastewater enters the drain
from a dishwasher, the oil cools and can coat the inside of drain pipes,
causing slow drainage or blockage in pipes. Limits are set by wastewater
treatment authorities on how much fats, oils, and greases (abbreviated as
FOG) the wastewater generated by restaurants and food products manufacturers
can contain. DeKalb County codes also require the installation of FOG
Interceptors in all FSEs.
The best way to avoid problems with FOG is to avoid disposal in the
wastewater system. Large amounts of oil that may come from fryers
should never be poured down the drain. The used oil should be collected
and recycled. Used cooking oil is actually a valuable material that can
be processed into products used in animal feeds, fuels, and chemicals.
Accounts can be arranged with reputable collectors to periodically pickup
used oil. Usually, a container is placed outside of the restaurant for
collection. Oil should be poured from cookware and the residue dry wiped
from the cookware before placing into a dishwasher. Oil should not be
allowed to drain into a sink or floor drain. Check the local telephone
directory under Rendering Companies that can accept used fryer oil.
It is possible to strain or filter oil in deep fryers to extend the
life of the cooking oil. Controlling the temperature of deep fryers so
that the oil does not scorch will also extend the life. Extending the
life of oil means that less oil is recycled or disposed. It also means
that less new oil will have to be purchased. The benefit is that money
is saved in addition to improving food quality and taste.
Storm Water Concerns -- Outdoor grease storage
containers can affect storm water. Containers must be covered so that
rain does not enter the tank and overflow. Keep hinged and free lids on
the containers closed except when filling. Spills should be cleaned with
absorbent clay, and never washed down a storm drain. Areas around storage
containers should never be cleaned with hoses or pressure washers unless
all of the wastewater is contained and disposed of properly. Greases
should never be poured into storm drains. If storage tanks require
cleaning, they should never be cleaned outside and allowed to drain into
storm drains or to contaminate soil or paved surfaces. It is a good idea
to place used oil storage containers in curbed areas so that major spills
are contained and flowing stormwater is diverted away.
