Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG)

Fats, Oils and Grease from everyday cooking can create massive problems in Oakland's sewers.

About

When Fats, Oils or Grease are poured down the drain at home or work, sewer blockages and overflows can occur. Sewer overflows spill raw sewage onto Oakland streets and sidewalks, into storm drains leading to the Bay and onto your property.

It is ILLEGAL to dispose of household items such as pan drippings, cooking oil and shortening, fat from meats, dairy products, oily sauces and salad dressing.

Reducing FOG in city sewers:

  • The City restricts the use of the public sanitary sewer system to the discharge of sewage that does not endanger the condition, operation or capacity of the system.
  • The City prohibits the discharge of FOG into the sanitary sewer system, and reserves the right to disconnect buildings from the sanitary sewer system at the property owner's expense, per Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 13.08 - Building Sewers.
  • To report Sewer Overflows, call OAK311 by dialing 311 or (510) 615-5566, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. If after hours, then press 0 for the Standby Crew.