The City of Port Coquitlam is reminding residents to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG) to help prevent sewer blockages and protect the community’s wastewater system. When poured down the drain, these substances cool and harden, clinging to pipe walls and forming large blockages known as “fatbergs.” These congealed masses can cause serious damage to both private and City-owned infrastructure, leading to sewer overflows, costly repairs and environmental harm.
To avoid these issues, residents are encouraged to follow three simple steps:
Cool it – Allow fats and oils to cool after cooking.
Scrape it – Scrape fats and food scraps into a container.
Bin it – Dispose of these items in the green bin rather than down the drain.
Blocked sewers affect everyone, from individual households to entire neighbourhoods, increasing the risk of backups and adding shared costs to repair and prevention efforts. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their service lines up to the main sewer line, including blockages that occur on City property, in the boulevard, or within their own property, unless caused by a service collapse or structural failure outside their property boundary.
By properly disposing of FOG, residents help protect public infrastructure, reduce the risk of sewer overflows and safeguard local waterways and ecosystems.
Available Resources
- Sort & Report app – Search for proper waste sorting methods. Download free at portcoquitlam.ca/sortreport.
- Sort it Right! online search tool – Learn how to dispose of items correctly at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Sort it Right! Waste Sorting & Services flip guide – Available at City facilities or online at portcoquitlam.ca/sortitright.
- Ambassador outreach program – For inquiries or resources, visit portcoquitlam.ca/ambassadors.
- Metro Vancouver Unflushables Campaign – Learn more at unflushables.ca.
- Metro Vancouver Wipe it, Green Bin it Campaign – Learn more at wipeitgreenbinit.ca.
For more tips or information visit portcoquitlam.ca/fog.
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