Green Newton

Washing greasy pots and pans in your kitchen sink after cooking can cause real damage to your pipes and the public sewer system. Although grease, fat, and cooking oil are not hazardous, the grease will build up, eventually blocking the flow in the pipes. In addition, the grease in the wastewater can cause problems in the treatment of the sewage at the Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant.  Instead of pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain, let it solidify in non-recyclable containers to be thrown in the trash. Soak up what’s left in the pan with a paper towel.  Place leftover fat trimmings directly into your trash or into a plastic bag and then into your trash.  If some grease ends up in your drain, just pour in ¼ cup baking soda followed by ½ cup vinegar.  Close the drain until the fizzing stops and flush with boiling water.