As the holiday season approaches and our kitchens take centre stage, Clean Coasts, in collaboration with Uisce Éireann, urges you to think twice before pouring fats, oils, and greases (FOGs) down the sink to prevent blockages in your wastewater pipes. This Christmas and New Year keep the Greasy Grinch out of your home and ‘Think Before You Pour’.
Have you heard the winter’s tale of a Greasy Grinch? He’s made up of fats, oils, and greases, everyday products we cook with, but even more so while preparing our festive foods. If we pour any melted fats down our sinks, this Greasy Grinch can cause blockages in our wastewater pipes, overflows from sewers into our homes, businesses, public areas, streams or rivers causing environmental impacts and public health hazards.
FOGs originate from food such as dairy products, butter, lard, vegetable oils, animal fats, meats, any melted fats which cool and harden when poured down the sink, contributing to the creation of the dreaded fatberg. Consisting of congealed oils mixed with other damaging items found in our wastewater network such as wet wipes, dental floss, and even hair, fatbergs can block up our sewers and wastewater treatment plants. This causes sewage overflows in our homes and businesses, polluting our rivers, lakes, and seas.
Every week, Uisce Éireann clears hundreds of blockages, including fatbergs, from the wastewater network. This Christmas and New Year, join us in the fight against Greasy Grinch by throwing your FOGs in the bin, not down the sink.
Here is a list of steps to help keep your pipes clear:
- Pour fats, oils, and greases into a heatproof container.
- Allow them to cool.
- Empty the container into the bin (general waste or food waste recycling bin if available).
By following these simple steps, homeowners can save time, money and stress – and focus on the things that really matter this festive season.
“Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, and the last thing anyone wants is to deal with blockages in their home and wastewater overflows,” said Tom Cuddy, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Operations. “That’s why we’re urging homeowners and businesses to ‘Think Before They Pour’ this holiday season.”
“It’s not only about saving money and preventing damage at home or in work, but also about ensuring our environment is preserved and protected,” Tom added.
“We know that blockages in our sewer network can be caused by fatbergs which have nasty consequences, including overflows onto our streets and into rivers and sea. No one wants to see sewer overflows while out and about this Christmas and New Year, so by following these simple steps homeowners and businesses can really make a difference and help ensure wastewater pipes flow freely for all.”
Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager at Clean Coasts, invites the public to take positive environmental actions: “This Christmas, keep our wastewater pipes clear by never pouring fats, oils, and greases from the Christmas dinner down the kitchen sink. Together, we can prevent costly plumbing issues and contribute to the well-being of our water systems. Let’s say no to the Greasy Grinch and yes to a cleaner, greener holiday season. Think Before You Pour!”
This holiday season let’s enjoy the festivities without having blocked pipes ruin the fun. Think Before You Pour and make a big difference to your wider community with a simple action in your home.
Learn more about Think Before You Pour at Think Before You Pour – Think Before You Flush