We all have a responsibility to properly dispose of our used cooking oil. For food service establishments with fryers – who produce large amounts of used cooking oil – the responsibility is even greater. Here’s a look at the environmental risks from improper fryer oil disposal and how partnering with SeQuential can keep you in compliance.
What Is FOG?
FOG is an acronym for the fats, oils and greases derived from vegetable, plant or animal sources during cooking. It presents in two different ways; yellow grease results from deep frying, while brown grease contains FOG that floats or settles into solids. Both types pose substantial environmental consequences when fryer oil disposal is performed incorrectly.
Risks to the Environment
Grease dumping and other forms of improper fryer oil disposal are illegal because of the severe environmental risks they pose. When used oil is poured down the drain, it hardens and infiltrates into local sewer, water and waste management facilities, which are not equipped to process FOG. When tossed in the trash or carelessly littered in the dirt or grass outside, FOG seeps into our ecosystems and affects our food supply. The environmental costs of improper oil disposal include:
- Sewer blockage from solidified FOG within pipes
- Detrimental impacts on the health of area wildlife and their habitats
- Overflow of unsanitary bacteria into water lines, soils and area buildings
- Fire hazard threatening your establishment and everything surrounding you
- Rancid and noxious fumes from FOG that negatively impact the health of you, your employees and customers
Paying the Price for Environmental Damage
Needless to say, establishments that do not take proper fryer oil disposal seriously face an array of consequences. Not only will your company’s reputation be damaged by failing to adhere to grease disposal regulations, you may also be subject to the following:
- Hefty fines for noncompliance
- Insects and other vermin that are attracted to the FOG’s fumes
- Costly repairs to sewer lines and plumbing caused by solidified grease within pipes
- Terrible smell lingering throughout your space and disrupting your customers’ experience
Regular Maintenance to Mitigate Hazards
To protect the environment, as well as the health of your employees, your customers and your business, be sure to responsibly dispose of your used oil. Routinely cleaning and maintaining your fryer equipment and grease traps can help prevent any negative outcomes.
To keep your kitchen a safe and healthy place to cook in while continuing to preserve local waterways, take advantage of SeQuential’s grease trap services, which help eliminate the environmental hazards associated with FOG. Our team of experts will come to your site to regularly service your grease traps, as well as transport your used fryer oil to one of our facilities, where we refine it into eco-friendly renewable fuel, a low-carbon alternative to petroleum diesel. The benefits of our services include:
- Enhancing your fryer grease safety protocols
- Ensuring your business is in regulation with local laws
- Keeping your equipment in peak condition to avoid regulatory violations
- Working closely with local grease inspectors to guarantee full compliance
- Allowing you to keep your focus on your employees and customers, not your FOG
Get Started with SeQuential Today
It’s estimated that across the United States, millions of dollars are spent each year on unclogging sewer pipes from FOG. Establishments with fryers need to ensure they practice proper fryer oil disposal methods to prevent environmental damage. SeQuential helps restaurants, hotels and other businesses devise the best possible plan for easy FOG disposal. For more information about our grease trap services and to receive a quote, contact SeQuential today.