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Cease The Grease

Baltimore County’s Cease the Grease program was created to educate homeowners of the damage to personal and public property resulting from grease-related sewage overflows and basement backups and show how ease of use can help to avoid these health hazards. Door hangers (PDF) were placed at various homes throughout the county to advise residents of the program.

View the Cease The Grease logo.

Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) that are poured down a kitchen drain can accumulate and cause a blockage in sewers, which can result in sewage overflows and basement backups. Not only do these overflows and backups expose the public to disease-causing organisms, they are also expensive to clean up. Basement backups often must be paid for by the homeowner and overflows increase operation and maintenance costs, which results in higher sewer bills for all Baltimore County customers.

See the 10 most common FOG sources.

How does a sewer get blocked with FOG? A blockage starts when grease and solids collect on the top and sides of the pipe interior. Over time, the grease and solids build up. Eventually, excessive accumulation will restrict the flow of wastewater and can result in an overflow or basement backup.

Picture of pipes clogged with FOG.

How you can help

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For questions or problems, please use our Contact Us form, or call 410-887-1836.

Revised January 10, 2014