Palmdale to residents: Have a FOG free Christmas!

PALMDALE – The city of Palmdale is reminding residents as they gather to celebrate Christmas this year, to keep FOG —fats, oils and grease— out of household sinks and drains.

“The chances of sewer blockages greatly increases around the holidays because of the accumulation of FOG,” said Palmdale’s Utilities Services Manager Gordon Phair. “FOG comes from items such as meat drippings, soups, juices and fats, cooking oils, salad dressings, sandwich spreads and the like that are poured down the kitchen sink.”

“Pouring these FOG items down the sink can do great damage to both the environment and property,” Phair said.

“Because of the increased popularity of deep frying turkeys, there is even more FOG to contend with,” said Phair. “If the used oil isn’t properly disposed of, it could create havoc in our sewers and cause overflows. The best way to dispose of it is to bring it to the Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center (AVECC) on the first and third Saturday of every month.”

The city of Palmdale recommends the following in regards to handling FOG materials:

• Never pour fats, oils and grease down the sink or garbage disposal.
• Pour fats, oils and grease after they have cooled into a sturdy container, such as an empty glass jar or coffee can. Once the container is full, close the lid securely and place it in the trash.
• Prior to washing, scrape and dry wipe pots, pans and dishes with paper towels and dispose of those materials in the trash.
• Use sink strainers to catch food items, and empty the strainer into the trash.
• To recycle large amounts of leftover from deep-frying a turkey, contact the Antelope Valley Environmental Collection Center (AVECC) at 1-888-CLEAN LA (1-888-253-2652).

“Whether you are a homeowner, renter or a restaurant, you can help prevent sewer blockages, and while doing so helping protect your home, your pocketbook, and the environment,” said Phair.  “Everyone plays an important role in preventing neighborhood sewer blockages,” Phair added.

For more options for used cooking oil, call 1-888-CLEAN LA (1-888-253-2652).

[Information via news release from the city of Palmdale.]

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