Ordinary kitchen cooking grease can be a real terror in the pipes beneath your home and in our sanitary sewage system. Over time grease build-up clogs pipes, reduces sewage flow, and acts as a magnet for other debris.

Eventually this build-up can clog pipes enough to result in a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO). An SSO is the backup of raw sewage into the street, the environment or even into your home through your sinks, showers or toilets.

Help tame the Grease Monster who threatens our homes, schools and businesses. When cooking with grease or oil, pour the used liquid into a can or canister for disposal. Once the hot grease has cooled, just toss it in the trash.

Wipe additional grease from pots, pans and plates with a paper towel before placing them in the sink or dishwasher.

By following these simple rules, we can tame the Grease Monster and keep him out of our pipes and our homes.

What else should NOT go down the drain?

The wastewater you flush or pour into the sewer system is carried through an extensive underground network of pipes to one of Pima County's wastewater treatment facilities. At the facility, a process using living bacteria breaks down the pollutants in the wastewater. You can avoid committing SEWERCIDE (injury to the treatment process) by keeping all potentially harmful substances out of the drain.

Don't put automotive fluids, pesticides, solvents, and other similar substances down the drain. Select less toxic alternatives whenever possible and dispose of any household hazardous materials through the City/County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

Are you committing SEWERCIDE? (PDF)

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