WIRT: GREASE is the Word - Your Toilet is NOT a Trash Can...

What I Read Today in a local newspaper, was not a news article or story but rather a PSA ad about dumping grease in toilets. I’m sure many of you are guilty of this - I am. With me it’s not in the toilet, but rather down the drain.

I actually feel quite guilty as I write this post and honestly didn’t think  I was doing any harm.

I like to make my own french fries which involves peeling a lot of potatoes and a great deal of deep frying. After awhile, when the oil is no longer needed, I would dump it, while it was still hot, down the drain. I figured it was still warm.  But now that I think about it, it wasn’t the smartest thing to do.

I no longer dump grease down the drain and now I’m asking you to do the same.

Did You Know…

• Over time, the buildup of fats, oils and grease can restrict sewer flow, creating unpleasant odours, and eventually block sewer lines altogether. This can result in a backup of sewage in your basement or the basement of your neighbour.  Block sewer lines can also contribute to the volume of combined sewer overflows throughout the region, which release under-treated sewage into our rivers and lakes.
• In December 2013, a grease blockage in Niagara Falls caused basement flooding in more than 10 homes resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

Actual article

Disposing of Grease, Fats and Cooking Oil

Don’t pour grease, fat or oil down the drain or toilet. It clogs your pipes and our sewer system.

It’s important residents use the correct disposal method for their grease, fat and oil:

Solid Fat / Grease

MATERIAL TYPE	QUANTITIES	DISPOSAL METHOD
Solid – lard – butter – bacon fat	Any	Place in Green Bin for curbsidecollection- or -Bring to one of our facilities: Thorold, Welland or West Lincoln

Liquid Oil and Grease

MATERIAL TYPE	QUANTITIES	DISPOSAL METHOD
Tiny amounts – frying pans	500 ml or less	Absorb with paper towel or newspaper, kitty litter, sawdust.Place in your Green Bin for curbside collection.
Small amounts – small deep fryers – salad dressings	1 litre or less	Put in a container and freeze.Remove from container and place frozen grease in your Green Bin for curbside collection.
Large amounts– large deep fryers	More than 1 litres	Bring to a household hazardous waste depot– or -Bring to one of our facilities: Thorold, Welland or West Lincoln