Fats, Oils, & Grease
What goes down your drain doesn’t disappear…
When we flush or drain items like grease, wipes, and paper towels they stick together in pipes, causing messy blockages that can affect your home, your neighborhood, and Onondaga County’s wastewater system. These clogs put extra strain on connected systems that lead to expensive household or neighborhood repairs. See below for a helpful starting point of what you should keep out of your plumbing. Keep it simple: When in doubt, throw it out.
Cease the Grease
Handling fats, oils, and grease, or “FOG,” properly at home is key to keeping your plumbing clear and our pipelines flowing smoothly.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
Typically, fats, oils, and grease are byproducts of cooking and food prep and can be found in many of the products we enjoy daily, including sauces, meats, and non-dairy substitutes. To properly dispose of hot fats, oils, and grease, pour them into a heat-resistant container, allow to cool, and dispose in the trash. Wipe oils from dishes or containers before washing or recycling. Use strainers to catch food scraps to prevent them from collecting in the sewer system.
FATS
Dairy
Mayo
Dressings
Sauces
Soy
OILS
Vegetable
Canola
Olive
Coconut
Sesame
GREASE
Bacon
Gravy
Trimmings
Drippings
Stock
Be a Water Hero!
Plumbing and wastewater systems are meant to only handle human waste and toilet paper, which quickly break down. Click Here to learn more about Unflushables and download Water Hero fun activity sheets for kids!
Residential Grease Drop-Off
For household grease, generally a few gallons, Onondaga County residents can use our free drop-off service.
Waste Hauler Control Office
SUNDAY – SATURDAY / 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
Residential Drop-Off: Nights and weekends, the Metro treatment facility gates are locked. If you are dropping off grease Saturday or Sunday, please use the the intercom at Gate 1 to request entry.
Non-Residential Haulers: Please allow time for offloading.
Metro Syracuse Wastewater Treatment
650 Hiawatha Blvd West, Syracuse, NY 13204