Residential Education

In our bodies, arteries carry oxygenated blood all the way from our head to our In our bodies, arteries carry oxygenated blood all the way from our head to our toes. Throughout our lives, and amplified by unhealthy habits, deposits of toes. Throughout our lives, and amplified by unhealthy habits, deposits of

plaque build up on our artery walls.plaque build up on our artery walls.

These deposits reduce our blood flow until eventually flow becomes completely These deposits reduce our blood flow until eventually flow becomes completely blocked. Clogged arteries can result in heart attacks, strokes, or even death. blocked. Clogged arteries can result in heart attacks, strokes, or even death. Eating healthy, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help reduce Eating healthy, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help reduce

arterial plaque and prevent clogged arteries. arterial plaque and prevent clogged arteries.

The same thing that happens in your arteries can happen within your home’s The same thing that happens in your arteries can happen within your home’s plumbing and in the public sewer system.plumbing and in the public sewer system.

When grease is washed down the drain, it solidifies and adheres to pipe walls. When grease is washed down the drain, it solidifies and adheres to pipe walls. Deposits accumulate until they eventually block flow through the pipe.Deposits accumulate until they eventually block flow through the pipe.

Cross-section of sewer pipe

http://www.pismobeach.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=4655

When sewer lines become clogged, sanitary sewer overflows may occur.

Expensive clean up Property damage

Beach closures

Local waterways contaminated

Contaminated drinking water sources

Health risks Fish kills

Gastrointestinal illness

Swimming restrictions

Fishing restrictionsAlgal blooms

Shellfish contamination

A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) is when untreated sewage is discharged into the A Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) is when untreated sewage is discharged into the environment. Numerous problems are associated with SSOs:environment. Numerous problems are associated with SSOs:

Fines

Sanitary Sewer Overflows can happen in your neighborhood.

Grease also causes pump station failure by obstructing floats… Grease also causes pump station failure by obstructing floats…

and clogging pumps.and clogging pumps.

Expensive repairs are ultimately Expensive repairs are ultimately paid for by taxpayers.paid for by taxpayers.

1.1. Let your used oil cool to room temperatureLet your used oil cool to room temperature

2.2. Pour oil into a container with a lidPour oil into a container with a lid

3.3. Drop off the container at a used cooking oil recycling Drop off the container at a used cooking oil recycling location or discard in the trashlocation or discard in the trash

NEVERNEVERpour oil or grease pour oil or grease down the drain!down the drain!

Many communities have grease recycling stations set up for residents.Contact your local municipality to find out if your community has one.

Not only will it help keep the sewer system clean, recycled grease is used to make:Not only will it help keep the sewer system clean, recycled grease is used to make:

• Biodiesel fuelBiodiesel fuel• Animal feedAnimal feed• CosmeticsCosmetics

… … and scientists are coming up with more uses every day, even a new and scientists are coming up with more uses every day, even a new ““smart roof” that can reflect or absorb heat!smart roof” that can reflect or absorb heat!

Scrape excess food and Scrape excess food and grease from pots, pans and grease from pots, pans and dishes into the trash before dishes into the trash before

washing.washing.

Use fine mesh strainers in the Use fine mesh strainers in the sink to prevent food particles sink to prevent food particles and other debris from going and other debris from going

down the drain. down the drain.

Questions?