Fats, Oils and Grease

Fats, oil and grease (FOG) can cause harm to your home and the environment. When FOG is poured down sinks, drains or toilets, they will cool and clog the pipes that take the wastewater from your house to the treatment plant.

This can cause untreated sewage to back up and flood your basement or your neighbour’s basement or back up onto streets polluting the natural environment.

Fats, oils and grease need to be disposed of properly to avoid harmful impacts to human health and the environment. Fats, oils and grease are organic waste and should be placed in your green bin.

Residents are encouraged to follow these simple steps:

• Allow fats, oils and grease to cool.
• Scrape cooled grease and fatty food scraps into your Green Bin.
• If the grease is still liquid, leave it in the pan to cool or carefully pour it into a container such as a tin can or bowl. Once cooled and solidified, empty the contents into your Green Bin.
• Wipe greasy pots, pans and dishes with a paper towel before washing them.

If fats, oils and grease are in liquid form, leave it in the pan to cool or pour the liquid into a container such as a tin can or bowl to cool then empty into green bin or taken to a York Region Waste Depot

What is Considered a Fat, Oil or Grease?

Fats, oils and grease are byproducts of cooking. These include:

• Butter or margarine
• Cooking oils (includes deep frying oils)
• Lard
• Marinades
• Meat fats
• Milk and cream
• Olive oil
• Salad dressings
• Sandwich spreads
• Sauces and gravies
• Shortening

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I dispose of fats, oils and grease?

If you don't have a green bin, allow fats, oils and grease to cool before placing them in a sealed container and disposing of them in your regular garbage. You can also take them to a Waste Depot for proper disposal.

What should I do with cooking oil that stays liquid?

Let the oil cool completely, then pour it into a sealable container, such as a tin can, plastic bottle or other leak-proof container. If you use a green bin, place the sealed container or absorb the oil with paper towels before disposing of it. You can also drop off liquid cooking oil in a tightly sealed container at a Waste Depot.

Why shouldn't I pour fats, oils and grease down the drain?

Even if they go down the drain as a liquid, fats, oils and grease cool over time and stick to the inside of pipes. As they build up, they can create stubborn blockages that may lead to sewer backups in your home or the municipal sewer system.

Will hot water, dish soap or chemicals keep grease from clogging my pipes?

No. While hot water or soap may temporarily move grease farther down the pipe, it will eventually cool, harden and stick to the sewer system. Chemical products marketed to dissolve grease are not a solution and their use to move grease through York Region's sewer system is prohibited.

Is it okay to flush fats, oils and grease down the toilet?

No. All of the drains in your home, including sinks, toilets, showers, bathtubs and laundry drains—connect to the same sewer pipe. Flushing grease down the toilet can cause the same clogs and sewer backups as pouring it down the kitchen sink.

Can I reuse or recycle leftover cooking grease?

Yes. Small amounts of cooking grease can be reused for cooking if stored safely. You can also use certain animal fats to make suet for backyard birds.