FOG – or Fats, Oils and Grease – is a term used to describe the material that makes up Fatbergs in drains and sewers. Simply put, this material is composed of fats, oils and grease that have been washed down the drain from kitchens, restaurants and other venues where a variety of oils and animal fats are used in the food preparation process.

However, the build-up of FOG can cause several problems for business owners, homeowners and even the general public, which can result in thousands of pounds in damages, flooding and bad smells. The importance of following fats, oils and grease regulations, and preventing the build-up of FOG is tied directly to understanding what it truly is.

Thankfully, there are ways to combat FOG, whether it’s through a new grease trap installation or just better kitchen practices and training. Aqua Mundus has broken down the necessary information in this helpful blog post, providing you with the tools you need for better fats, oils and grease management.

What are Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)?

Why FOG Is a Problem in Wastewater Systems

How to Prevent Blocked Drains From FOG

How to Dispose of Fats, Oils and Grease Properly

Fats, Oils and Grease Regulations in the UK

FOG Best Practices for Kitchens

Fats, oils and grease, shortened to FOG, are the main waste products of cookery that uses heat. Together, they are the primary contaminant of pipes and sewers if not correctly handled or disposed of.

Fats are typically solid at room temperatures. Common fats that are abundant in commercial kitchens include butter, lard, meat fat and dairy products.

Oils that need to be correctly disposed of include various types of cooking oils, including olive oil, vegetable oil and remnants of frying oil. Oils will be a liquid at room temperature.

Grease is a by-product of cooking fats and oils, and will contaminate surfaces and appliances. Grease builds up from frying, roasting and grilling hot food, fats and oils in kitchen environments, and is often thick and can be challenging to clean without the proper solutions.

Incorrectly disposing of fats, oils and grease will lead to several different issues. FOG often slows the flow of wastewater through the drainage system, causing backups and overflows. This results in issues for your business, public health and the environment. 

Poor fats, oils and grease management will always result in disaster. Foul-smelling odours will develop, which can lead to serious health hazards. 

Blockages and congealed FOG can cause sewage overflows, leading to contaminated water supplies. Large sewer blockages, known as fatbergs, are a combination of FOG mixed with non-biodegradable items, such as wet wipes, plastic and cotton buds. Fatbergs can be devastating, leading to sewer overflows and structural damage like burst pipes. 

The consequences of pouring FOG down the sink are severe, so it’s important to understand how and where to dispose of fats, oils and grease.

Thankfully, there are precautions you can take to prevent your drains from blocking. As a leading independent grease contractor, it’s important for us to provide the correct information that can help protect you, your business or your home.

We’ve broken this down into three simple steps:

Ensuring that all staff, household members and those who will be dealing with cooking oils and animal fats are properly trained and informed. Always make sure that you don’t pour cooking oils or grease down the drains, as this will solidify over time and block the drainpipe.

Giving staff appropriate training on how to correctly dispose of FOGs will help to prevent any blocked drains and therefore reduce any unnecessary costs you could incur. When it comes to correct drain protection, knowing is half the battle.

The best solution to protecting your pipes is to make sure that you have a good quality grease trap in place. A grease trap is specifically designed to separate FOG that is contained in the kitchen waste water. This prevents any FOG from entering the sewers, controlling the flow of water by separating the grease.
With a large range available to suit all requirements and budgets, our grease traps provide an environmentally friendly waste management solution that offers protection while reducing the risk of blockages and unnecessary repair costs.

Depending on your facilities, as well as your initial budget, your grease trap will eventually need to be cleaned. Passive grease traps, like the Trapzilla High Capacity Interceptor, will require emptying when the FOG storage capacity inside the unit is reached.

At Aqua Mundus, we offer our expert grease trap services across the country, with planned maintenance and reactive repairs for all makes and models. Our in-house certified engineers provide routine cleaning and pump-outs to ensure that your grease trap functions to the highest level.

Both homeowners and businesses can follow this guide on how to properly dispose of FOGs. 

Allow cooking oils and grease to cool after use, then pour into a sealable container such as a jar, bottle or dedicated collection container. Once the container is full, it can be disposed of with appropriate waste or taken to a recycling point where available. This simple step prevents liquid grease from entering drains where it can later solidify.

Many local recycling centres and waste management services accept used cooking oil. Recycled oil can often be processed into products such as biofuels or industrial lubricants. Storing used oil in a secure container and taking it to an approved recycling facility helps reduce environmental impact and keeps drains clear.

Before rinsing plates, pans and cooking utensils, scrape leftover food and grease into a bin or food waste container. Removing solid fats and oily residues first reduces the amount of grease entering sinks and dishwashers, lowering the risk of buildup in pipes.

In commercial kitchens, grease traps or interceptors are essential for managing fats, oils and grease. They capture FOGs before they enter the drainage system. Regular maintenance and cleaning ensures these systems continue to work effectively and remain compliant with UK legislation.

Businesses that produce FOG must follow UK regulations designed to protect drainage systems and the environment. These rules focus on preventing FOG from entering public sewers.

Under UK environmental protection laws, businesses must ensure FOGs are stored, handled and disposed of in a way that prevents pollution and environmental harm. 

When water from a business contains FOG substances, it may be classed as trade effluent. Discharging trade effluent into the sewer system often requires consent from the local water authority and may involve installing grease management equipment. Businesses that misuse sewers or cause pollution can face enforcement action, fines or other penalties. To learn more about the responsibilities commercial kitchens must uphold, visit our FOG management legislation page.

Following simple best practices can help businesses manage fats, oils and grease effectively, prevent drain blockages and remain compliant with UK wastewater regulations. 

As an independent wastewater treatment company, we specialise in grease management and protecting your facilities from FOG. It’s crucial that if you operate in a commercial kitchen or a similar setting, you take the necessary steps to protect your drains. A grease trap installation is the best preventative measure. 

Aqua Mundus offers a range of grease traps, from 20 litres to 5,000 litres. We can fit any make, model and size, all at an affordable price. Our grease trap services are available nationwide, and our years of expertise will guarantee you and your drains the highest protection possible. 

Contact us today to book your free site survey.