Fats, Oils & Grease

Fats, oils, and grease often accumulate in plumbing and drainage systems, causing backups and overflows.

Wastewater overflows can threaten public health and the environment. If grease is a contributing cause, the State may fine municipalities up to $10,000.

Food Establishments

Click here for helpful links and guidelines.

Tips for Residents

Many sewer backups occur between the home and the Town's sewer main. You can prevent costly and unsanitary overflows.

What To Do

• Dispose of diapers and personal hygiene products in a bathroom wastebasket rather than flushing down the toilet.
• Place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags or start a compost pile.
• Scrape excess grease from containers and place it in the garbage.
• Scrape utensils before washing. Then wash with soap and hot water.
• Promote the 3 R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

What Not to Do

• Don't pour grease, fats, and oils from cooking down the drain.
• Don't use the sewer as a means of disposing of food scraps.
• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket.
• Don't put "flushable" wipes in the toilet. They're not so flushable and can clog pipes.
• Don't dump motor oil down the drain. Motor oil recycling centers are available throughout the Town. Check with your local service station or auto parts store.

How to Dispose of Used Fryer Oil (For Example, from Frying a Turkey) 

• Always wait for the oil to cool down completely before handling it.
• Pour it into a sealable container, such as an empty milk carton, plastic bottle, or glass jar. Ensure the lid is sealed tightly.
• The container of used fryer oil can be taken to a recycling center or a waste disposal site. Alternatively, the container can be thrown away in the garbage. Another option is to mix the cooking oil with an absorbent material, such as sand, flour, or cat litter, to create a solid waste that can then be disposed of in the garbage.
• Never pour cooking oil down the drain.