Keeping grease out of drains…Albany Public Works issues Thanksgiving oil disposal advisory

ALBANY, Ga. – As families get set to host their Thanksgiving dinner this week, Albany’s Public Works Department is putting out the message on not damaging sewer systems.

We sat down with Public Works’ Sewer Division Coordinator, Tyria Boston about families pouring grease and oil down not only sink drains, but somewhere else you wouldn’t think of…

“A lot of times, we have backups in homes that normally don’t have them, because they’re pouring the grease and oil down the sink, or even flushing that down the toilet. So, those are two no-no’s…” said Tyria Boston, Sewer Division Coordinator, Albany Public Works.

And, it’s not just potentially interior drains either that Public Works is concerned about.

They’re also asking people frying outside to not pour the oil into storm drains as well.

“We do not want them to pour any oils or anything down that storm drain. Storm drains are not for oil, they’re for rain. And, we want to make that process is not done,” she said.

Because it isn’t just your pipes at home that the oil can damage…

It’s something that can cause havoc on city infrastructure.

“…It’s also going to go down into our sewer system lines and cause a backup in our mainline. Then that causes backups in our manholes, our lift stations, our pump stations, and then that ultimately goes to our treatment plant. And that’s where you’re really going to catch higher costs on your sewer bills,” she said.

And, Public Works does have a simple solution for properly disposing of oil.

“Well, what you want to do is you want to let the oil cool first of all. You want to pour it into a container, possibly a plastic bag where it can cool down, and then you can take that waste and put it into your trash can,” she said.

With Thanksgiving just days away, Public Works wants people to think not just about their own pipes, but potentially their neighbors as well before pouring oil down home drains.

If you want to schedule oil disposal you can contact the Albany Public Works Department at 229-302-1800.

Brian Roche reporting.

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