Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils, and Grease

East Valley Water District is committed to being a resource and community partner to local businesses for preventing the improper disposal of fats, oils and grease into the sewer collection system.

Image of a food item getting deep fried in oil

FATS, OILS, AND GREASE

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) come from foods such as meats, sauces, salad dressings, foods cooked in deep fat fryers, cookies, pastries, cheese, butter and many, many more. Outside of the kitchen, grease originates from products used in the care of vehicles. When FOG items are poured down the drain and discharged into the wastewater system, they can create blockages that cause sewer backups through sinks, drains, and toilets.

Pipe clogged with fat build up

The Source Control Program

The District's Source Control Program requires producers of fats, oils and grease, including restaurants, automotive shops, and car wash businesses to install a grease interceptor or a grease trap to prevent FOG items from getting into sewer collection system. Grease interceptors need to be cleaned out regularly by a grease collection service. The frequency depends on the production of FOG items. 

The Source Control Program was implemented to:

  • Assist businesses implement best management practices to control fats, oils, and grease and document maintenance of their grease interceptors or traps
  • Partner with commercial customers by providing resources through community outreach
  • Reduce the amount of fats, oils and grease discharged into sewer collection system
  • Reduce maintenance costs for the sanitary sewer collection system
  • Eliminate and prevent sewer system overflows
  • Maintain operation of the sanitary sewer collection system

Permitting and Inspections for Businesses

East Valley Water District has partnered with SwiftComply to offer an online portal where you can apply, renew, update a permit, pump-out documentation, and more. 

Source Control Permitting