The Health Department announced this week that this year’s “Cease the Grease” event, held Nov.18 -Dec. 5, generated almost 180 gallons of used cooking oil and solid grease. The annual event helps divert leftover Thanksgiving cooking oil and grease from being poured down kitchen drains, which can create buildup in sewer pipes and cause unwanted wastewater backup.
The oil generated from the collected leftover oil and grease is recycled into biofuels (such as biodiesel and biogas) by Texas-based American BioSource.
Until next year’s collection, here’s how to prevent damage to your plumbing year-round:
DON’T
- Pour fat, oils and grease down the drain, even in small quantities.
- Use hot water to push the cooking oils through plumbing pipes.
- Toss food scraps down the drain.
DO
- Place oil and grease in sealable collection containers and dispose of in the trash.
- Avoid using the garbage disposal by scraping food scraps into trash cans.
- Prewash dishes and pans with cold water before putting them into the dishwasher.
Website: www.defendyourdrains.com
