Do not dump grease, oil down the sink

Environmental officials are reminding everyone this holiday season to not dump cooking oils and greases down the sink.

According to the Environmental Services Department, nearly 50 percent of all sewage overflows nationwide are caused by homeowners who improperly dispose of fats, oils and grease, which can clog pipes and wastewater lines, causing messy back ups and costly repairs.

If you can, wipe small amounts of grease with a paper towel and place it in the trash. Or, pour that small amount into a container to freeze before disposing it into a gray bin.

But, if possible, recycle oil and grease. Large quantities should be taken to a citizen collection site.

Starting Saturday, Nov. 24, residents can drop off used cooking oil, fats or grease here:

3510 Confederate (Far East) 1034 Pendale (East) 4501 Hondo Pass (Northeast) 2492 Harrison (Central) 121 Atlantic (West)

The locations will be open Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular operating hours are Tuesday- Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but will be closed Nov. 22 and 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Residents will NOT need to provide a water bill to drop off cooking oil. The sites will not accept cooking oil from businesses or commercial customers.

Restaurants and food trucks are required to be registered with El Paso Water’s FOG program. For questions on commercial disposal, contact the Environmental Compliance & Industrial Pretreatment department at (915) 594-5729.

If you need more information, go to the Environmental Services Department website or call 311.