Kitchen grease is the one of the leading causes of wastewater overflows in sewer lines. When grease goes down a drain, it could cause sewer lines to back up. Over time, kitchen grease and other fats, oils and grease that are poured down the sink or garbage disposal enter the sewer system and may clog pipes as the grease collects and hardens. These blockages can cause manholes to overflow onto our streets, property and into our streams. Such blockages often lead to plumbing backups on private property. These overflows can cause public or private property damage and environmental problems. 

Greenwood Metropolitan District has a number of customers that are required to be part of the District’s Grease Control Program.

Food Establishments:

The Greenwood Metropolitan District’s Grease Control Program is designed to significantly reduce or eliminate Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO’s) caused by the buildup of animal and vegetable fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) in the public sewers of the District. The program identifies food establishments served by GMD and to determine if a proper grease removal system is in place.

Grease interceptors and grease traps are periodically inspected to ensure maximum grease removal efficiency and that the proper maintenance schedules are followed.  All food establishments must have a grease removal system in place and are required to submit a plan for installation of a suitable system. With over 200 food establishments served by GMD, the Grease Control Program is an integral component in protecting the public health and the environment of our community. 

Food establishments can properly dispose of fats, oil and grease by:

       Installing a grease interceptor or an oil/water separator sized and manufactured to handle the appropriate amount of grease or oil produced at your business

       Have an approved grease and oil removal company regularly maintain your grease interceptor

       Dispose of all fats, oils and greases in an appropriate recycling bin

Residential

Though not regulated by the District’s Grease Control Program, residential sewer customers can also assist in the removal of fats, oils, and grease from the public sewers.       F. O. G. (fats, oils, and grease) clog sewer lines the same way they can clog your arteries. 

<< Do not pour grease down your drain >>

Proper methods for disposing of fats, oil and grease at home are:

       Remove left over scraps and food from plates, pots, pans, spoons, knives, and forks before washing by wiping with a cloth or paper towel. 

       Use an old coffee can or jar as your grease container

       Pour greasy or oily food waste into the container, NOT down the drain or garbage disposal

       Allow fats to cool in the container before the proper disposal of the containers

These measures will reduce the amount of grease buildup in sewer collection lines and help prevent sanitary sewer overflows.   A two hundred unit apartment complex or residential neighborhood produces as much if not more grease than a two hundred seat restaurant. You can help protect the environment and reduce costs by properly disposing of grease. Do your part to help protect our environment, keep fats, oils, and grease out of your sewer system. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Greenwood Metropolitan District’s Grease Control Program, please contact Joe Swofford at 864-377-2566 or jswofford@greenwoodmetro.com.

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