Backed-up sanitary sewers and clogged pipes could make for an ugly post-Thanksgiving surprise. Arlington residents can prevent such problems by properly disposing of fats, oils and grease.
Residents should not place meat fats, cooking oil, butter- and margarine-based goods, or dairy products down drains and garbage disposals. Grease can build up and eventually block sewer pipes, causing sewage overflows into homes or neighborhoods, according to Water Resource Manager Joe Gildersleeve.
Survive your holiday "plumber-free" by following our tips to cease the grease:
Do:
- Use a paper towel to soak up small amounts of cooking oil before placing in garbage.
- Store small amounts of grease mixed with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a sealed container and throw away when full.
- Table scraps should be placed in the garbage. Smaller food items rinsed from utensils can be caught for disposal in the trash with the use of drain baskets and strainers. Food items such as vegetables and fruit can be placed in a backyard composting pile.
- Recycle large amounts of used cooking oil.
Large amounts of cooking oil from fried turkeys can be taken to the Tierra Verde Golf Course, 7005 Golf Club, on Saturday December 3, from 8 a.m. through Noon. The golf course will then recycle the used cooking oil to create biodiesel to fuel its lawnmowers. Can't make it on Dec. 3? If you have more than 5 gallons of used cooking oil, we will pick it up from your house the week of Nov. 28. Call 817-459-5902 to schedule an appointment.
Do Not:
- Pour fats, oils and grease directly into the drain.
- Dispose of fats, oils and grease down the garbage disposal.
- Use soap or hot water to rinse fats, oils and grease into your drain.
Thanks for helping us cease the grease and make Arlington better! Find more information at www.ceasethegreasentx.com.
Holidays 2016
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