Protect Your Pipes! F.O.G Clogs
The disposal of fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) has become an increasing concern in Markham, as flooding and sewer backups continue to be a major problem in houses and condos. However, you can prevent it by disposing of F.O.G. products properly! They should NOT be poured down any drain, and instead be disposed of in your green bin/organics.
Don't Put Your Home at Risk!
When F.O.G. products are poured down the drain, they harden and accumulate, which can clog pipes and block the flow of dirty water leaving your home. This means the waste water has nowhere to go but back into your house or condo. The resulting sewer back-ups can cost thousands of dollars to repair damage to your personal property, and may increase insurance rates and result in loss of coverage.
Properly disposing of F.O.G. is a community responsibility, as pipe misuse can even have consequences on neighbouring houses and units as well. Repair costs can be expensive, and while the city covers issues with city property, damage to private property is the owner’s responsibility.
What is F.O.G?
F.O.G. products are anything that contains fats (such as saturated animal fats), oils (such as unsaturated plant fats), and grease.
Common examples of F.O.G. include:
- Cooking oils (canola or olive oil, non-stick pan sprays)
- Food scraps and leftover grease
- Condiments (ketchup, curry paste)
- Spreads (butter, margarine, cream cheese, jam)
- Sauces (gravy, marinara)
- Salad Dressings
"Wipe It. Scrape It. Pour It." How to Properly Dispose of F.O.G
F.O.G. belongs in the green bin, and should never be poured down the drain. Even when using hot water and soap, F.O.G. will still harden and clog in your cold pipes.
This means:
- Wipe out any pots or pans after cooking
- Scrape dishes clean after a meal
- Pour any unwanted or expired condiment remains into the green bin
Make sure to recycle any empty containers!
Myths Busted and Dos and Don't
All items listed below are Not True!
- Running hot water and soap will prevent F.O.G. from clogging in your pipes — Myth!
- Drain cleaners and degreasers can be used to dissolve F.O.G. build ups — Myth!
- The toilet can handle F.O.G. being flushed down — Myth!
Dos | Dont's |
| Absorb small amounts of fats, oils and grease with a paper towel and place it in your green bin. | Pour F.O.G. down any drain in your home including sinks and toilets. |
| Wipe and scrape F.O.G. off dirty dishes, pots, and pans before you wash them. | Pour harmful chemicals or degreasers down the drain to dissolve fats, oils, and grease. |
| Empty expired or unwanted bottled food products (For example: salad dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces, etc.) into the green bin, then recycle empty glass or plastic bottles. | Pour fats, oils and grease down the drain while running hot water – it will still solidify in your pipes, causing a blockage. |
