Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

Fats, Oils and Grease from everyday cooking can create massive problems in Oakland's sewers.

About

When Fats, Oils or Grease are poured down the drain at home or work, sewer blockages and overflows can occur. Sewer overflows spill raw sewage onto Oakland streets and sidewalks, into storm drains leading to the Bay and onto your property.

It is illegal to dispose of household items such as pan drippings, cooking oil and shortening, fat from meats, dairy products, oily sauces and salad dressing.

Reducing FOG in city sewers:

  • The City restricts the use of the public sanitary sewer system to the discharge of sewage that does not endanger the condition, operation or capacity of the system.
  • The City prohibits the discharge of FOG into the sanitary sewer system, and reserves the right to disconnect buildings from the sanitary sewer system at the property owner's expense, per Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 13.08 - Building Sewers.
  • To report Sewer Overflows, call OAK311 by dialing 311 or (510) 615-5566, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If after hours, then press 0 for the Standby Crew.

FOG Resident Guidelines

You can help avoid sewer overflows, backups and costly repairs at home:

Handle Kitchen Oil in 3 Easy Steps: Pour, Scrape or Wipe, Toss!

  • Pour cooking oils and grease into a compostable container (half gallon max) with a lid
  • Remove remaining FOG by scraping greasy pans and absorbing oil with a paper towel
  • Dispose of these items in your green compost cart (if available) or garbage
  • To recycle larger amounts of FOG, please take it to a local FOG drop-off location
  • Review the EBMUD Avoid A Clog Brochure(PDF, 2MB)
  • To report Sewer Overflows, call OAK311 by dialing 311 or (510) 615-5566, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If after hours, then press 0 for the Standby Crew.

FOG Restaurant Guidelines

Restaurants and food service establishments can help avoid sewer overflows, backups and costly repairs by following these guidelines.

Best Management Practices

By following these guidelines, restaurants and food service establishments can help avoid sewer overflows, backups and costly repairs:

  • Observe these Best Management Practices
  • Used oil recycling containers and grease control devices should be emptied regularly by a liquid waste hauler
  • To report Sewer Overflows, call OAK311 by dialing 311 or (510) 615-5566, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If after hours, then press 0 for the Standby Crew.
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