Grease and oil, which can enter a sewer
system after the preparation of meat or the use of cooking oil, will solidify.
When enough solid material is present, it can potentially stop the sewer flow
and cause sewage to overflow through manholes.
City Council recently passed Ordinance
4073, which requires food preparation or processing establishments such as
restaurants, schools and churches to use grease traps to prevent grease from
entering the sewers. Homeowners can also take simple actions to help keep the grease
present in pots and pans from collecting in the sewer.
When grease has cooled, use a funnel to
pour it in a sealable container, such as a plastic jug or coffee can. Once the
container is filled and the grease has solidified, it may be placed in the trash.
Grease mixed with water may be filtered
out by placing paper towels or coffee filters across the drain, pouring the
water through the filter, and throwing the filter away after it has caught the
grease.
Wipe out greasy pots and pans with a
paper towel before washing them.
Residents with questions about city
sewers and grease may call the City of Hartsville Public Service Department at
383-3006.
