Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Program

We need your help to keep Bothell’s sewer system working its best and keep repair costs down. Fats, oils, and grease from cooking cause up to a third of all sewage overflow problems in Bothell. This can result in potential public health issues and pollution problems.


What happens when you pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain


Fats, oils and grease are found in common food and food ingredients such as meat, fish, butter, cooking oil, mayonnaise, milk, gravies, sauces and food scraps. If you pour them down the drain or into your garbage disposal, fats, oils and grease will build up over time by sticking to your side sewer. This could eventually cause an expensive sewer backup into your home or our natural water system.

What can happen if you have a sewer backup


  • Sewage overflows in your home or your neighbor's home.
  • Expensive and unpleasant cleanup that is usually the property owner's responsibility to pay for.
  • Possible contact with disease-causing organisms.
  • Higher operation and maintenance costs by the City sewer system and the regional treatment system, which causes higher sewer bills for customers.

Sewer pipe clogged with fats, oils, and grease

Clogged pipe (JPG)

Four simple ways to help prevent sewer backups and spills


  • Never pour fats, oils or grease down sink drains or toilets. Pour cooled fats, oils, and grease into covered, disposable containers. Place containers with fats and grease in the garbage. Containers of used cooking oil are accepted for recycling at The Recology Store.
  • Soak up remaining oils and grease.
  • Before you wash dishes, scrape food scraps, fats, oils and grease into your organics container.
  • Avoid putting fats, oils and grease down your garbage disposal. Use sink strainers to catch any remaining food waste while washing dishes.
By keeping fats, oils and grease out of the drain, you help keep sewer costs low for everyone!