Cease The Grease

MERRICK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--It’s summer and those bodies on the beach are not the only things frying. This time of year means more french fries, fried chicken and other tasty fried food. Both in home kitchens and at restaurants across New York, the oil is flowing and heavy duty frying is taking place. New York American Water reminds everyone not to forget about all the resulting used fats, oils and grease (FOG).

FOG hardens as it goes down the drain. That can cause nearby sewer pipes to clog, which in turn may lead to the raw sewage actually backing up into your home or onto the streets. This nasty mess can shut down businesses, close a beach, or ruin your family get-together. It can also cause health issues. Whether it’s in your home’s pipes or the sewer main out under the street, FOG-caused blockages can be very expensive problem to fix.

To avoid a household mess, possible environmental damage, costly repairs, and get the most out of another frying session, here are a few easy dos and don’ts to deal with the hot stuff:

• Don't pour oil and grease down the drain.
• Do put oil and grease in covered and sealable containers. Let the FOG cool a bit so you don’t burn yourself, or melt the container.
• Do remove oil and grease from dishes, pans, fryers, and griddles. Cool first before you skim, scrape, or wipe off excess grease.
• For the grease that cannot be poured into the container, Do wipe pans clean with a paper towel and put it in the trash.
• Do dispose of the sealed container in accordance with your local ordinances.

New York American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water company in New York, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 350,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.