So you know that fat, oils and grease shouldn’t end up in the sewer network, pretty obvious stuff right? But the fact is blockages are still very much causing an issue in many communities, costing water companies millions and millions of pounds every year to clear. You may yourself have experienced blockage related issues from flooded toilets, homes and roads, to having to close your business due to it being inaccessible. We all need to play our part in keeping the sewer network free flowing and protecting our environment.
Impact on the environment
Fat, oils and grease (FOG) cause major problems in both sewers and drains. When FOG is disposed of in sinks and drains it ends up solidifying further down the line and blocking a whole area which is often connected to multiple businesses or domestic homes. Some blockages end up causing waste water to overflow into rainwater pipes and gullies which are connected directly to our rivers. So yes, we are polluting them without really realising and there is no time like the present to each do our bit to combat this ever evolving problem.
History
Historically, people spent much more time preparing and eating meals at home. Due to technology and general eating habits of the worlds population, it is easier than ever to eat out, or even order food to be delivered directly to you without having to leave your seat. This has created more competition in the takeaway and restaurant industry and we have seen more and more new places open up to tempt us with their offerings. Who doesn’t love a cheeky meal out or takeaway?!
Now we aren’t suggesting that these places are tipping waste oil directly down their sink, far from it, although in a small minority of places there is no doubt bad practices like that still happen due to laziness or just lack of understanding. So what are we saying then? How is all this FOG ending up in our sewers and rivers?
Good question, easy to answer.
Washing up
Yes, we are saying that the majority of FOG that ends up in places it shouldn’t is through simple washing up. Even if oil isn’t used to cook with, food naturally has FOG contained within it and it comes out during cooking. All that grease on your plate after you’ve been for a well deserved meal out, that’s what we’re talking about. The utensils used to cook, the floor that needs mopping at the end of the night, it all adds up.
Using washing up liquid and bleaches etc. can appear to help, but all it does is move it further down your waste water pipes and into the were before solidifying.
Facts and figures
So how bad is the problem really? Well as a nation we are causing over 200,000 blockages per year in our sewers, with over 75% of them as a direct result of FOG. This costs literally millions of pounds, which we all pay for through our water bills. Now, if you are found to have directly contributed to a blockage, your water company is well within their rights to fine you for the damage you have caused and any costs incurred for clearing the blockage. Don’t forget you are responsible for any blockages within your premises as well and drainage companies will gladly clear it for you and help get rid of those bad smells in exchange for lots of your hard earned cash! Both of these can and will run into thousands of pounds unless you do the responsible thing and install the correct fat trap and maintain it properly.
How can we do our bit to help?
This is a great question because there are things you can do immediately while you work out what fat trap will best work for you.
Train your staff, are they dry wiping dirty plates first and throwing excess food debris in the bin? That’s an easy win, you do not want that food waste in your sink. Are they aware of the impact on the environment that poor kitchen practices can have? We often find people aren ’t aware and all it takes is a quick chat and regular refreshers. Another easy win is to always use a strainer in the sink. This will catch all food debris and stop it from going down that plug causing a nasty smell, and giving something for the FOG to stick to contributing to the formation of a fat berg.
Fat Traps
These are specially designed units that take the waste water from a sink and spread it across several compartments allowing it time to cool and separate. FOG is lighter than water and therefore rises, whilst the water sinks and is released through small gaps towards the outlet. With our thoughtfully designed Fat Traps the waste water initially goes into a filter basket which helps removed excess food debris that has accidentally found its way down the drain. These units remove the FOG at source and will protect you against any fines and those costly drainage clearances.
Food Macerators
We do not recommend having a macerator fitted, and if you have one do consider removing it. The idea behind them is they finely chop up food debris to allow it to enter the sewer, but the FOG combines all the smaller parts and will cause you an issue. Dry wiping a plate into a bin is much better and more efficient.
Enzyme Dosing Systems
Enzymes are produced by bacteria which is used for treating FOG. You can speak to us about this and we may have a solution for you. Enzyme Dosing systems are particularly effective when used in conjunction with a Fat Trap.
Waste Oil
Waste oil should be stored correctly, this means in air tight containers away from drainage and in a covered area ideally. Theft of waste oil is unfortunately common given the value of this commodity, so if it is outside it is worth making sure it is secure. It should only be collected by licensed waste oil collectors, these are licensed by the Environment Agency and they can provide you with the details of collectors in your area. You will and should get a waste transfer note which details who has taken the oil and the fact it is being disposed of properly. You need to keep waste transfer notes for two years by law and this legislation is covered under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Remember, sewers are for sewage!