FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about FOG – Fats, Oil & Grease

What is FOG?

  • FOG stands for Fats, Oils, and Grease, found in everyday foods such as meats, sauces, salad dressings, baked goods, butter, and more.
  • When washed down drains in hot water, FOG eventually cools and solidifies. This creates sticky buildup that clings to pipe walls and collects debris over time.

Why is FOG a problem?

  • FOG is the leading cause of sewer overflows and backups into homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
  • As it accumulates inside pipes, FOG narrows the flow path, causing reduced capacity, blockages, and increased maintenance cost for utilities and customers alike.
  • Sewer overflows present health hazards, environmental pollution, and expensive cleanup operations.

How can I prevent FOG from entering the sewer system?

  • Never pour grease down sinks, drains, garbage disposals, or toilets.
  • Scrape plates and dry‑wipe cookware to remove grease before rinsing or washing.
  • Collect fats, oils, and grease in sealed containers and discard in the trash or take to landfill, recycling, or hazardous‑waste drop‑off sites (e.g. used cooking oil recycling at Anchorage Regional Landfill).
  • Consider mixing grease with absorbent materials (e.g. coffee grounds, paper towels, cat litter) before disposing.

What if my sewer backs up or overflows?

  • If a sewage backup occurs inside your home or building (i.e. on private property), it’s the building owner’s responsibility to handle repairs and cleanup.
  • If the blockage is in the public main sewer, AWWU may assist, but may also recover cleanup costs from responsible parties if illegal discharges caused the blockage.
  • For sewer emergencies or backups: contact AWWU Customer Service at (907) 564‑2700, available Monday–Friday and after hours.

Why should I care?

  • FOG blockages are unpleasant, costly, and preventable.
  • Proper disposal habits help reduce public health risks, protect the environment, and control sewer system maintenance expenses, which are ultimately shared by all utility customers.

What should I tell others – friends, family, and neighbors?

  • Educate and promote best practices for FOG disposal:
    • Scrape and wipe before washing
    • Store and throw away grease properly
    • Avoid flushing any grease or oily liquids
  • Sharing these habits with others helps reduce community-wide sewer issues and keeps spills from happening in homes and neighborhoods.

Where can I get more help or information?