The modern “eat out” culture has come under scrutiny from dietitians and economists, who highlight its impact on individuals' health and finances. However, there's another pressing issue that demands attention: the UK’s Victorian sewerage infrastructure wasn't designed to handle modern diets. The UK hospitality industry needs to address the FOG (Fat, Oils, and Grease) problem building up within our drains.
Victorian sewage systems under strain
Many of the UK's sewerage systems were built during the Victorian era. Most of these systems use a combined sewerage system, carrying both rain and wastewater through the same pipes. Though these sewers are large enough to stand in, FOG sticks to the bricks, causing overflows and blockages - problems that Victorian Britons didn't face.
While these systems were perfect for Victorian Britain, modern challenges like climate change and the growing "eat out" culture have exposed their limitations. Modernising our sewage infrastructure is necessary but will be a costly and long process. In the meantime, businesses must manage their FOG waste responsibly.
What contributes to FOG?
Over the last few years, businesses within the hospitality industry have faced difficult and uncertain times, from lockdowns to the cost-of-living crisis. The discussion and implementation of grease management systems (such as grease traps) may be seen as an unnecessary added cost.
However, a comprehensive grease management system is vital for any UK business handling food. It ensures compliance with The Building Act 1984 and helps protect the community and local environment while allowing the business to operate smoothly.
A common misconception is that grease management systems are needed only for businesses using oil-based products like cooking oil. While many businesses dispose of used oil through waste oil collection services, FOG enters our drainage systems from all areas of food preparation - from washing and prepping food to cleaning utensils and plates. FOG buildup comes from a variety of food items, including:
- Cooking oils (vegetable oil, olive oil)
- Butter and margarine
- Meat fats
- Dairy products
- Sauces and dressings
- Vegetable/fruit oils (directly from the produce)
Many Food Service Establishments (FSE's) magnitude of waste is in their drains. Annually, there are approximately 370,000 sewer blockages in the UK, with 75% attributed to FOG and other waste items (like wet wipes, sanitary items etc) buildup
Fatbergs: A growing problem
A fatberg is a massive buildup of FOG and other waste items, forming a dense material within our sewage systems. Although FOG enter our drains as small particles of fat or oil debris like wet wipes, grease, and oils in the sewerage saponification, involves the combination of FOG with sodium hydroxide (found in drain cleaners, some food items, etc.), resulting in a soap-like substance.
The most infamous fatberg was discovered in 2017 by Thames Water engineers. This 250-metre-long, 130-tonne FOG buildup took three weeks to remove and was reportedly like “breaking up concrete” for the workers. Fatbergs aren't just disruptive to sewage workers; they also impact the environment, communities, and the UK sewage system as a whole.
Environmental impact
- Natural Water Pollution: FOG can be dragged into natural water bodies like lakes, rivers, and seas, posing a harmful risk to aquatic life by contaminating their habitats.
- Contaminating Water Supplies and soils: As blockages grow, they can cause sewage to seep into groundwater or escape into rivers and streams via combined storm overflows
- Air Pollution: Accumulated FOG can release harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulphide into the air, contributing to air pollution.
Community impact
- Flooding: Pressure and overflow on our sewage systems can lead to flooding in residential areas, affecting streets, gardens, and homes.
- Soil Contamination: Burst sewage lines can spill raw sewage into animal habitats, contaminating soils by seeping into groundwater and affecting local plant life.
What can be done about FOG's?
Addressing FOG from businesses that handle food is vital for protecting our water systems and the environment. However, businesses shouldn't be penalised for the inevitable by-products of their services. While all food-handling businesses should have a grease management system on site, there are various ways they can manage their FOG waste effectively:
- Grease Traps: These units are installed in businesses to trap and store FOG until they reach capacity. Grease traps collect a mixture of grease waste and general food waste, preventing it from entering drainpipes and then the sewerage system.
- Grease Recovery Units (GRUs): Seen as the next evolution in grease traps, GRUs work similarly but discharge the grease as free oil, into an external container, which can then be collected for biofuels as part of a circular economy.
- Biological Grease Treatments: In conjunction with a grease trap or GRU, experts have developed biological grease treatments. These treatments utilise the natural reaction of bacteria to secrete enzymes that break down FOG This helps reduce the frequency of servicing grease traps by breaking down high levels of FOG.
The Future of FOG
Addressing the FOG problem is crucial for the sustainability of the UK’s sewerage systems and the well-being of our environment and communities. The growing "eat out" culture has added pressure on our Victorian-era infrastructure, leading to severe blockages and environmental hazards. By implementing effective grease management systems such as grease traps, grease recovery units, and biological grease treatments, businesses can play a pivotal role in mitigating these issues.
Food-handling businesses need to understand their responsibility in managing FOG waste. Not only does this ensure compliance with legislation, but it also contributes to a healthier environment and a more resilient sewerage system. Although our 19th-century sewage infrastructure will need to be addressed, this will take a long time. Through collective effort and the adoption of modern grease management practices, we can prevent severe blockages, and fatbergs which will result protect our waterways, reduce pollution, and protect public health.
Get advice on FOG management
If your business needs to find the right FOG management system, speak to our experts at GreaseBeta:
