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https://raleighnc.gov/stormwater/services/spot-report-and-stop-water-pollution/fats-oils-and-grease-stormwater-pollution
03/03/2026 6:46 pm

An overflow from a manhole in the parking lot of fats, oils, and grease that clogged the sewer system.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Stormwater Pollution

Help prevent water pollution

Updated: Mar 3, 2026

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Fats, Oils, and Grease Pollution Help Us Prevent Pollution Report a F.O.G Incident Fats, Oils, and Grease Permits

This is a stormwater pollution prevention website. If you are looking for permitting and fee information, visit the FOG Program Website or email fog@raleighnc.gov.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Pollution

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) pollution is usually cooking oil, butter, food grease, and other by-products of food. The EPA estimates that 47 percent (%) of sewer blockages and overflows are due to grease from restaurants, homes, and industrial sources.

When FOGs enter the sewer system, they harden and collect at the surface. This leads to blockages, sewer backups, pipes bursting, and overflows that can enter our storm system. Visit the Sanitary Sewer Overflow website for more information.

Help Us Prevent Pollution

Follow these tips to help protect our waterways. Most blockages are avoidable with your help!

An overflow from a manhole in the parking lot of fats, oils, and grease that clogged the sewer system.
  • Clean FOG spills with paper towel, then throw it in the garbage. Wet methods, like sponges or mops, are usually rinsed in the sink and FOG materials go down the drain where they may cause a blockage.
  • Keep FOG out of the garbage disposal, even if it is connected to a grease trap.
  • Collect and recycle the FOG. After cooking, pour the grease into a can until solidified. This grease can either be re-used or disposed of in the garbage.

You can always recycle your household cooking oil and grease at no charge at a Wake County Multi-Material Recycling Facility. Small amounts of FOG add up to large amounts in our stormwater and sewer systems!

Report a F.O.G Incident

To report a sewer back-up or overflow, please send an email to publicutilityinfo@raleighnc.gov or call 919-996-3245.

If any of the overflow material is entering the stormwater system, call the Stormwater Helpline at 919-996-3940 or send an email to IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov.

Fats, Oils, and Grease Permits

The FOG Program issues permits and inspects grease interceptors around the city to make sure they are maintained regularly and properly working. See the FOG program website for more information.

Related Links

 

6 Ways to Prevent Water Pollution

Food Trucks: Keep Grease Out of the Storm Drain

Contact

 

FOG Permits and Fees
fog@raleighnc.gov

Illicit Discharge and Pollution Prevention
Zachary Poole
IllegalDischarge@raleighnc.gov

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Spot, Report, and Stop Water Pollution
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Spot, Report, and Stop Water Pollution

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