DeKalb, Georgia Piedmont Technical College partner on education campaign to reduce clogged sink drains

DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) and Georgia Piedmont Technical College have teamed up to develop the “No FOG, No Clog” program for the college’s English as a Second Language (ESL) students. 

DWM will facilitate six Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) presentations to almost 300 students in the ESL program at the college. 

The DWM Public Outreach Department will design and create presentations focused on best management practices for FOG disposal. 

In accordance with the campaign message, students will receive the following tools to best dispose of FOG: 

• Funnels to pour cooled grease into a container
• Scrapers to remove food particles and residue from plates and pans
• FOG brochures
• Medical waste disposal brochures
• Other educational materials 

Because nearly 60 percent of all spills are caused by cooking oils and bacon grease being poured down sink drains, DWM is educating residents and business owners to help change behaviors and reduce sewer spills.

FOG occurs when cooking fats are poured down drains and coat the inside of pipes to eventually form a blockage. In response to the number of clogs caused by grease and to maintain compliance with EPA regulations, DWM began a Fats, Oils and Grease Program to educate residents on the hazards of grease clogs in the sewer systems.