Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) are generated in most types of restaurants and food service establishments during food preparation, food service, and kitchen clean up.  If flushed down the drain, FOG can build up in pipes, pumps, and equipment -- causing significant problems in the community sewer, including sewer line blockages. Blockages can lead to sewer overflows that pose environmental and public health hazards. 

EBMUD developed a FOG Control Program with communities in our wastewater service area, including Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, and the Stege Sanitary District.  The program requires each food service establishment to have a wastewater discharge permit that contains terms and conditions to limit the amount of grease entering the community sewer.  It is the responsibility of each food service establishment to develop an effective FOG management program for recyclable grease (yellow), interceptor and grease trap waste (brown) and solid food waste.  Please contact us on-line or call (510) 287-1651 for more information. For more information about your community sewer system, contact your local sewer system agency.