In order to protect and extend the use life of our sewer and wastewater infrastructure, it is important that customers are mindful of what is sent down drains or flushed down toilets. Improper disposal of items can lead to sewer backups and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) or maintenance issues, thereby threatening the reliability of our sanitary sewer system and the health of our community.
Fats, oils and grease
Cooking fats, oils and grease, if washed down the drain, can lead to sewage back-ups at home, your business or in the community’s sewer pipes. When grease is washed down the sink, it cools and congeals on sewer lines. Over time it can build up and eventually block the pipe. Some overflows in the street can even flow into storm drains, which flow to local creeks, beaches, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
To protect the Bay and ensure clog-free drains, follow these simple steps:
- Put a lid on cooking oil and grease - place your sewer on a fat-free diet.
- Scrape grease out of pans into a can and place it in a garbage can with a plastic liner. (Garbage disposals don’t remove grease. They add clog inducing solids to the sanitary sewer collection system.)
- Use property recycling centers to dispose of used motor oil.
Heavy foods that should not go down the drain:
| Dairy products | Lard | Butter | Shortening |
| Oils | Food scraps | Soups | Margarine |
Watch the video below to learn how you can be a Clog Buster!