“Trap the Grease” While Cooking This Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving holiday this week will have many Tuolumne County residents busy cooking in their kitchens. To avoid potential plumbing and sewer problems, Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) would like to urge residents how to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease. Sewer blockages can cause backups into homes resulting in an unpleasant mess that can cost hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars to clean up.

Follow the tips below for the safe disposal of waste fats, oil, and grease to help you avoid a plumbing emergency this holiday season:

• Tuolumne County Solid Waste now offers used cooking oil disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility located in Jamestown.  To make an appointment, call (209) 533-5588.
• Avoid pouring fats or vegetable cooking oils down the drain because liquid fats solidify in the pipes and create clogs.
• After grease has cooled, scrape the grease into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Solidify in the refrigerator before putting it in the trash.
• Never put hard to grind items in your garbage disposal, including poultry skins, egg shells, carrots, celery, pumpkin pulp, potato skins, banana peels, or pasta.

Thank you for your cooperation. In the event of a sewer emergency, call the TUD office at 209-532-5536, 24/7/365.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!