There are some things that should never go down your toilets, sinks and drains. Protect your home and our wastewater system by keeping these items out of the system.
Fat, oil and grease (FOG)
Fat, oil, and grease are by-products of cooking at home and in businesses.
Pouring fat, oil, and grease down the drain can have a huge impact on the environment, and the drain systems in our region. Most commonly, it can cause build-ups and blockages in drains that can cause costly repairs to homeowners and business owners.
How to dispose of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) in your home
Contain it, don't drain it!
Never pour fat, oil or grease down the drain. By disposing of this properly, you’re helping to keep everyone's sewers clear.
- Pour oil and grease into an empty metal container or can. When it cools, throw it in the trash.
- Wipe out greasy pans with a paper towel before washing.
- Use a sink strainer to prevent food bits from going down the drain.
- Extend the life of cooking oil by straining or filtering it.
- Mix FOG with an absorbent material like cat litter or coffee grounds. Seal it in a container and throw it in the trash.
What else shouldn’t go down the drain?
Wipes, paper towel and facial tissue
- Flushable wipes: Watch out! Wipes that claim to be flushable aren’t! They retain their shape and strength, and don’t break down in pipes.
- Paper towel, facial tissue (Kleenex) and serviettes also don’t break down like toilet paper and will block your pipes.
Bag wipes, paper towel and any items used as toilet paper and put in your black bin.
| Bathroom items |
|
Dispose of these items in your garbage:
|
| Household items |
|
Fat, oil, and grease management for commercial businesses
If you are in the food service industry, fat, oil and grease (FOG) is an unavoidable part of business. Learn more about the requirements for managing commercial business fat, oil and grease.
Frequently asked questions: Residential FOG
Why is FOG a problem? |
|
When FOG is poured down the drain, it can build up and create blockages in pipes and sewer systems. Blockages can cause backups, costly repairs and even property damage for you and your neighbours. |
Can I pour FOG down the drain? |
|
No. FOG should never be poured down the drain. The Sanitary Sewer Utility Bylaw prohibits residents and business owners from disposing FOG through sanitary systems. Those who do not comply could be fined. |
Can I dump FOG into the toilet? |
|
No. Wastewater from every toilet, shower, sink, dishwasher or bathtub in your home is connected to the same sewer pipe. Pouring FOG down the toilet can still cause blockages. |
Will hot water and detergent get rid of FOG? |
|
No. Hot water and detergent will not clear FOG from pipes and sewer lines. The mixture may clear immediate blockages from under the kitchen sink, but it will have no impact once diluted in the sewer network. The FOG will simply build-up further down the line. |
What happens if my pipes become blocked? |
|
Sewer blockages can happen on your property or municipal property. Responsibility for the repair will depend on the location of the blockage. |
As a homeowner, what am I responsible for? |
|
You are responsible for the sewer service line up to the sanitary main line. The Municipality is not responsible for any blockages or freezing from the sewer main to the building. (Sanitary Sewer Utilities By-Law) |
Commercial business FOG
If you are in the food service industry, fat, oil and grease (FOG) is an unavoidable part of business. Learn more about the requirements for managing commercial business FOG.