rss

WaterOperator.org Blog

The Latest in FOG News

Hot grease being poured directly from a cooking pan down the drain of a kitchen sink.

It’s long been known that the place to dispose of fats, oil, and grease for private individuals or small businesses is not down the kitchen sink or other plumbing, whether that plumbing is connected to a sewer system or a septic system. And yet, the issue of FOG (fats, oil, and grease) clogging up wastewater systems remains a worldwide issue. 

For those involved in the wastewater field, the unpleasant reality of FOG buildup and the massive fatbergs it can lead to is part of day-to-day life, and it probably isn’t something anyone wants to spend more time thinking about than necessary. But widely sharing the stories of why FOG pollution is such an issue might be one of the best things we can do to help homeowners and industries to reverse the tide of inappropriate substances flushing into wastewater systems. And, as technology advances, more and more technological solutions for FOG management are being explored!

In this post, we’ve collected links to recent news stories covering FOG challenges in municipal sewer systems, both domestically and internationally. Consider sharing them with people you meet who might not know why they shouldn’t put bacon grease down the drain or flush their wet wipes, and find some hope in the pursuit of technological fixes!

What are fatbergs and why are they a problem?

Recent FOG stories in the United States

“Supersized” 2026 fatberg in Sydney

Fatbergs in London

Solutions on the rise

Prior coverage of FOG at the WaterOperator.org blog