Fats, Oils, Grease

When put down the drain, fats, oils and grease wash into our sewer system and can cause major problems. Anything that is solid at room temperature will also be solid in the sewer. When FOG collects in sewer pipes, the pipe can clog and can lead to basement backups and sewer overflows.

In an effort to prevent the introduction of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into the MSD sewer collection system and prevent sewer collection system blockages that may result in sewage overflows to the environment, MSD has adopted a FOG Management Policy. In addition to the policy, MSD adopted FOG Management Guidelines and Design Specifications for Grease Control Equipment (GCE) – grease traps and interceptors.

The FOG management policy, guidelines and design specifications apply to those facilities that prepare and/or serve food for commercial consumption, otherwise known as Food Service Establishments (FSE). It requires FSEs to control FOG discharges by installing properly sized and maintained grease traps/interceptors.

Household Oils (Hazardous Waste) (Chemicals and Used Oils):

Household chemicals that are washed down the drain or put into the sewer can be carried away into our lakes and streams, contaminating the water. Once the water is contaminated, fish and other wildlife cannot survive and the water is no longer suitable for swimming. Louisville Metro’s Hazbin provides the community with a place to safely discard household cleaners, chemicals and used oils. For more information, check out their website: Metro’s Hazbin.

What your family can do to help keep FOG out of the sewer:

• Can the grease! Pour used grease into an empty, heat safe container, such as a soup can and store it in the freezer. Once the grease has become solid, toss the can into the garbage.
• Scrape your plate into the trash. Wipe all pots, pans, dished and cooking utensils with a paper town prior to washing to soak up the grease.
• Catch the scraps in your sink with a basket or strainer instead of using the garbage disposal and throw them away in the trash can.
• Never pour FOG down a sink, drain or toilet.
• Recycle your deep-fryer oil by taking it to Louisville Metro’s grease drop-off location at 7501 Grade Lane.
• Never pour grease or motor oil down your sewer drain or catch basin.

Residential

When greasy wastes are washed into the plumbing system through your sink or garbage disposal, they can stick to pipes. Using the garbage disposal or a grease cutting detergent does not keep FOG out of the plumbing. Instead, throw greasy wastes into the trash or put grease into an empty, heat safe container.

Commercial

Fats, Oils and Grease (called FOG) sent down the drain in establishments that prepare and sell food commercially (called Food Service Establishments – FSEs) can cause problems in our city’s sewers.  Because of the high volume of food prepared and processed at FSEs, there is potential for greater amounts of FOG to enter the sewer system through connections from these facilities.  FOG originates from bacon grease, butter, margarine, lard, gravy, shortening, dairy products, fat scraps from meat, cooking oils, fryer grease, and salad dressing – just to name a few. 

MSD Approved Grease Waste Haulers

Certified Grease Waste Haulers (CGWH) are individual or entities that have successfully completed the MSD Grease Control Equipment certification classes. They inspect and certify the Grease Control equipment at your food service establishment to ensure that it continually operates as it should. Additionally, they pump out Grease Control Equipment at frequencies set by MSD and submit that information to MSD each month for records.