Tip # 1 - Proper Grease Disposal

Water and oil do not mix.  We need your help.  If cooking oil, kitchen grease or fat from poultry and meat is washed down the drain, it can collect in pipes and cause sewer backups, basement flooding, or sewage spills to the environment.  Costly clean up work can raise the sewer use rates in your bill.

What can YOU do to help?

1. Cool down cooking oil, grease and fat.  Carefully pour into a sturdy, sealable container.
2. To help solidify oils, add absorbent material such as cat litter or coffee grounds.
3. When full, put the sealed container in the garbage with regular household waste.
4. Use a paper towl to wipe out greasy pots and pans.  Put paper towel in the garbage.
5. Scrape grease and food scraps from plates and put in the garbage.

Tip # 2 - Proper Medicine Disposal

Don't rush to flush!  Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCP's) include prescription drugs, over the counter medications and cosmetics.  They can pass through wastewater treatment plants in small amounts and find their way into rivers and lakes.  Controlling what goes down the drain helps to protect our environment and quality of life.

What can YOU do to help?

1. Don't flush PPCP's down the toilet.
2. Follow prescribed medications instructions.
3. Take all antibiotics as described.
4. For expired or unused medicine disposal:
   a) scratch out personal information
   b) add a small amount of water to partially dissolve and add mustard or coffee grounds to make a pungent unsightly mixture
   c) seal the container with duct tape to prevent leaks and accidental poisoning
   d) double bag and dispose in household trash.

Tip #3 - Disposable not Flushable

No wipes in the pipes!  Convenience wipes such as baby, hygienic, cleaning and disinfectant, as well as toilet bowl scrubbers and even paper towels might be labeled as "disposable or flushable" but these items should not go down the drain.  Products like these do not break down in the sewer system, causing plugs in sewer pipes and pumps, resulting in sewage backups, costly cleanups and environmental consequences that can result in rate increases.

What can YOU do to help?

1. Do not flush objects down the toilet such as wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, or dental floss.
2. Dispose of these items in your household or business trash receptacle.
3. Inform those that clean your house or business of proper disposal methods for convenience products.
4. Select cleaning supplies that can be washed and reused.