5 Ways to Avoid the Risk of a Water Company Fine

Foodservice operators face increasing scrutiny regarding FOG (fats, oils, and grease) disposal due to the environmental impact of fatbergs.

Why the Increased Scrutiny? FOGs don't dissolve in water. When poured down the drain, they cool, congeal, and combine with waste to form blockages. Water UK estimates 300,000+ sewer blockages annually are caused by FOGs, costing the UK over £80 million to clear. Commercial kitchens produce higher FOG concentrations than homes, making businesses primarily responsible.

Improper FOG discharge violates Section 111 of the Water Industry Act 1991. Conviction can result in unlimited fines or imprisonment. Water companies can also recover blockage-clearing costs from responsible parties.

Here are five tips to avoid fines:

  1. Wipe Plates Before Rinsing

    Pot washers play a crucial role. Scrape leftover food and grease into a bin. Wipe plates with a kitchen towel to remove residual FOG before washing.
  2. Install a Grease Trap

    A Shrewsbury restaurant was fined £3,700 plus other costs for a sewer overflow caused by FOG. Grease traps are essential for every food service business.*

  3. Use Less Oil

    Fast-food restaurants are major FOG contributors. Reduce oil usage by straining/filtering fryer oil to extend its life.

  4. Correct Oil Storage and Disposal

    Store waste oil in airtight containers away from drains. Section 34 of the 1990 Environmental Protection Act and Environmental Protection Act Regulations 1991 requires commercial kitchens to recycle waste oil. Licensed contractors issue "waste transfer notes" or equivalent documentation for each collection. Keep these records to avoid a £300 fixed penalty notice or prosecution.

  5. Seek Expert Advice

    Water companies prefer education over punishment. They work with businesses to achieve compliance. Repeated offenders face fines. Don't hide FOG issues; seek help.

glass jug of olive oil with oilves glass jug of olive oil with oilves

How Water Companies Identify Fatberg Contributors

Water companies trace FOG deposits back to the source. Inspections follow. Businesses with functioning grease traps, up-to-date records, and good grease management practices are cleared. Businesses without traps are likely held responsible.

person looking through a large pipe person looking through a large pipe

You May Not Be Fined Immediately

Water companies often educate first. Back in 2017, Thames Water found that 95% of food outlets in Oxford, visited as part of a research project into awareness of the fatberg problem, did not have grease traps installed and were not practising satisfactory grease management techniques. They provide information on FOG impact and grease trap installation. Fines are usually issued only after repeated warnings and non-compliance. A record £420,000 fine was issued to Hypergood Ltd. after 11 months of ignored warnings.

Be proactive. Install a manual grease trap or automatic GRU to avoid future problems.