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Fats, Oils and Grease

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) clog pipes and can cause sewer backups. Sewer backups are a risk to human health and the environment. FOG also creates unnecessary wear on private and public sewer pipes. Help keep FOG out of sewer pipes.

  • Residential and Multi-family FOG
  • Business FOG
Residential and Multi-family FOG

Order a free grease kit

Call 503-618-2525 or email Eric.Jones@GreshamOregon.gov.

Stop fats, oils and grease

Fats, oils and grease (FOG) can cool and solidify in pipes, causing blockages in your home and in the public sewer system.

What is FOG? video

Common sources of FOG from homes

  • Butter, margarine, shortening and cooking oil
  • Food scraps with grease, butter or oil
  • Meat fat, juices and gravy
  • Dairy products

Never pour grease down sinks or toilets.

Dispose of grease properly

  • Scrape food waste into your garbage can or compost.
  • Wipe pots and dishes to remove grease before cleaning.
  • Put your FOG in a disposable container, freeze it, then place it in the trash.
Business FOG

Prevent FOG 

Food service businesses use grease removal devices to separate FOG from their wastewater. Keeping FOG out of the sewer system helps avoid dangerous sewage spills and costly cleaning.

  • Grease removal devices work best when serviced regularly.
  • Pump-out and service reports sent to the City meet compliance monitoring and limit business and grease removal device inspections.

Preferred Pumper Program 

Most food service businesses hire a pumping company to clean out and maintain their grease removal devices. 

  • Using a service provider from the City’s Preferred Pumper Program is recommended.  
  • Preferred Pumpers meet certain service requirements and send service reports to the City.

Free online pump-out reporting 

Food service businesses and FOG pumping companies can upload grease pump-out reports for free. Enroll today with Swift Comply.

  • Enter grease trap details
  • Upload pump-out reports
  • Book your next service online

Online reporting creates transparency between the City, grease trap service providers, and food service establishments.  

Note: The City no longer accepts reports via mail or email. 

Best practices for keeping FOG out of wastewater 

  • Scrape solids from cookware and dishes, then dry wipe to remove excess food and grease before washing.
  • Recycle grease and oil.
  • Check grease removal devices often to make sure they are properly pumped and maintained.
  • Never pour grease and oil into sink or floor drains.

Contact us

For more information about FOG contact Paul Kramer at 503-618-2648 or Paul.Kramer@GreshamOregon.gov.