Protect Our Pipes

GREASE CLOGS PIPES
Follow these easy steps.

Pour Cool Toss Banner Image

POUR, COOL, TOSS or REUSE

 

Or Recycle It at an Environmental Service Center:

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE CENTER SOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE CENTER NORTH
11500 S. Post Oak Road
Tuesday & Wednesday, 9AM to 3PM
2nd Saturday of each month, 9AM to 1PM
 5614 Neches Street
2nd Thursday of each month, 9AM to 3PM

 

Don't Forget About Oils

 

Do you bake or cook with extra virgin olive oil, peanut oil, palm oil, corn oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, sesame oil, or use salad dressing? If so, keep them from going down the drain.
Wipes Clog Pipes

 

Clogs from wipes, rags, and any item other than toilet paper trap grease and cause sanitary sewer overflows.

 

ONLY FLUSH THE 3 P'S:

 

Snow

 

Protect Our Pipes Public Service Announcement

 

 

HELPFUL TIPS
 

USE A SINK STRAINER

 

Use a sink strainer to prevent food scraps, hair, and other items from going down the drain.

 

USE A PAPER TOWEL

 

Use a paper towel to wipe grease from pots, pans, plates, and utensils before washing. Throw the paper towel in the trash.

 

DO NOT PUT THE FOLLOWING DOWN THE DRAIN
 
  • * Cooking Grease & Oil
  •  
  • * Chewing Gum
  •  
  • * Coffee Grounds and/or Filters
  •  
  • * Paper Towels
  •  
  • * All Wipes and Rags — Even Flushables
  •  
  • * Dental Floss
  •  
  • * Diapers
  •  
  • * Feminine Hygiene Products
  •  
  • * Q-tips or Cotton Balls
  •  
  • * Hair Plastics
  •  
  • * Medicines and Pharmaceuticals
  •  
  • * Toys
  •  
What is a Sanitary Sewer Overflow?

 

A sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) is a backup of raw wastewater that can contaminate our water, causing property damage, and threatening public health. The most common causes of sanitary sewer overflows are:

 

* Blockages (caused by grease & wipes) 

 

* Wastewater Line Breaks 

 

* Flooding (stormwater overloads the wastewater system)

 

While the volume and frequency of sewer overflows can vary significantly over time, Houston experiences hundreds of sanitary sewer overflows each year, resulting in thousands of dollars in expenses to both the city and to its residents.

 

 

 

Commercial Kitchens

 

Restaurants, cafeterias, and commercial kitchens are regulated by City Code and inspected at least annually by the Houston Health Department.
 
Commercial kitchens and businesses that generate grease must be permitted and are required to install grease traps that must be cleaned every 90 days unless a waiver is submitted and approved by the Houston Health Department. For more information on commercial kitchen requirements, you can visit the Consumer Health Services website and check out the Special Waste Program.

 

 

 

 

Take Action

 

Share these free, downloadable resources with your friends, family, and community.

 

Protect Our Pipes Information Graphic (English) DOWNLOAD
Protect Our Pipes Information Graphic (Spanish) DOWNLOAD
Protect Our Pipes Frequently Asked Questions (English) DOWNLOAD
Protect Our Pipes Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish) DOWNLOAD
Protect Our Pipes Flyer (English / Spanish) DOWNLOAD
Protect Our Pipes Bathroom Stall Sign DOWNLOAD

 

For more ways to get involved, email us at ProtectOurPipes@Houstontx.gov. 

 

Grease Clogs Pipes Public Service Announcement