It is the season of holiday celebrations; with their fun parties and delicious – typically, oily – menus.

As you may have seen, special joint Lakewood Township/New Jersey American Water ads have recently been placed on Lakewood billboards – reminding residents of simple, yet highly important, advice regarding the proper disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG).

Per the guidance of Lakewood Township; the Municipal Utilities Authority; and New Jersey American Water; it is crucial to make sure that Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) do not make their way into the water drains, pipes and/or sewer system of one’s home. When FOG accumulate, they can do significant damage to the home’s plumbing system; and can cost property owners and/or residents a substantial amount of money in repairs.

The following guidance can save you an untold amount of headaches and money:

• Do not pour any FOG down a sink, toilet, shower/tub, or garbage disposal system.
• Place a strainer into your sink drain to prevent food scraps and/or FOG from making their way down the drain.
• Wipe grease and food scraps off pots and utensils and throw them into your regular trash before washing the pots and utensils.
• Pour FOG into a closed disposable container and dispose container into your regular trash.
• The above guidelines should be followed carefully. Running hot water down the drain after disposing FOG will not prevent potential damage.