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Of Grease and Cooking Oils
Did you know that grease and oil can pollute the Eel River? If grease and oil are poured into sinks, floor drains, storm drains, or dumpsters, then these substances will eventually contaminate our water.Fortunately, we have multiple options to facilitate grease and oil recycling.
Vegetable oil can be taken to the Arcata Community Recycling Center or the Eureka Community Recycling Center. Large quantities can be picked up by calling Footprint Recycling or North State Rendering at (800) 351-4446.
Humboldt County has over 20 used oil collection centers. Look at the recycling guide in your SBC phone book for the recycling facility closest to you.
GREASE DO'S & DON'TS
- Do not pour grease, fats and oils from cooking down the drain;
- Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket;
- Do not use the sewer as a means to dispose of food scraps
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- Do scrape or drain excess grease in a container and dispose of it in the garbage;
- Do place food scraps in waste containers or garbage bags for disposal with solid wastes, or start a compost pile;
- Do promote use of scraping of ware prior to washing;
- Do place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solids wastes. Disposable diapers, condoms, and personal hygiene products do not belong in the sewer system;
- Do promote the concept of "3 R's": Reduce, Recycle, Reuse.
These suggestions can save you money.
Frequently Asked Questions What do you mean by sanitary sewer system? Sanitary sewer systems are the collection of pipes, pumps, lifts, and other equipment throughout town designed to handle and safely transport used water, body wastes, and toilet paper as sewage to its treatment plants. What kinds of problems do grease cause? Sewer backups are frequently caused by improper materials, including fats, oils, and greases being introduced into the sewer system by Fortuna residents. How big a problem is this in Fortuna? From 50 – 80 percent of all sanitary sewer overflows are caused by accumulations of fats, oils and greases discharged to it from the preparation and serving of food. Most sanitary sewer back-ups occur between the house and the City's sewer main.
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