Major Push to Tackle Fatberg Crisis: 1,700 Kitchens Join the Fight Against Fat, Oil, and Grease

Over the past 18 months, a major effort led by South West Water, in collaboration with Environmental Compliance and Services (ECAS), has prevented more than 215,000 litres of fats, oils, and grease from entering the drains of food establishments across Devon and Cornwall. This significant achievement marks a crucial step in combating the persistent issue of fatbergs in the region.

Identifying Problem Areas

South West Water’s operational teams began by pinpointing key areas prone to blockages. Once these hotspots were identified, ECAS representatives were dispatched to work directly with local commercial kitchens to address the problems. The collaboration focused on several strategies, including the installation of new grease trapping equipment, identifying and correcting misuse, and educating kitchen staff on proper disposal methods for fats, oils, and grease.

Positive Results and Ongoing Efforts

Andrew Blake, Project Manager at South West Water, highlighted the positive outcomes of these efforts: “Through our efforts to raise awareness of the problems that fats, oils, and greases cause in our network and the subsequent environment following blockages, in around two-thirds of Devon and Cornwall we are seeing fewer incidents relating to these issues. This is a great step in the right direction to ensuring everyone is responsibly disposing of fats, oils, and grease, but we can all still do more.”

Echoing this sentiment, Marc Downes, Client Liaison Manager at ECAS, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “The results we have seen through our work with South West Water to date have been phenomenal. Now that the peak season for food businesses in the southwest region has begun, it’s fantastic that most of the fat produced by the commercial kitchens we’ve supported will be diverted from the sewers. We’re proud of the progress that has been made and we’re excited about what’s to come.”

Practical Tips for Responsible Disposal

To further support their customers and prevent future issues, South West Water has shared practical tips to help both businesses and individuals avoid letting fats, oils, and grease go down their drains:

• Dry-Wipe Before Washing: Wipe dirty pots, pans, plates, and cutlery into a bin before rinsing them under a tap or putting them into the dishwasher to prevent residual grease from entering drains.
• Safe Oil Storage: Allow used cooking oil to cool and store it in a sealed container away from drains. Food businesses should arrange for collection by a registered waste carrier, who may recycle it into biofuel.
• Use Sink Strainers: Use sink strainers to collect food debris and prevent it from going down the plughole.
• Proper Rubbish Disposal: Avoid sweeping rubbish into floor drains; instead, use a dustpan and brush and dispose of it in the bin.

Looking Ahead

The combined efforts of South West Water and ECAS have already made a significant impact in reducing fatberg-related blockages in Devon and Cornwall. With the ongoing collaboration and commitment to educating and supporting local food establishments, the region is on a promising path towards a cleaner, more efficient wastewater system.