With a relatively younger sewage infrastructure, Howard County might have less of a problem than older jurisdictions, officials said. Baltimore's problems are more related to century-old pipes that are deteriorating, but grease poured down drains in restaurants and homes contributes, too, Wilson said.
Howard County's effort to bring attention to grease is among other environmental initiatives being undertaken there, including boosting recycling and advocating for buildings that conserve energy and use recycled materials.
Combating grease is viewed as an extension of that effort, said County Executive Ken Ulman.
"We can't forget about the basics - the things we just don't think that much about," Ulman said.
Grease should be put it in a jar or a metal can until it solidifies and be disposed of in the trash, Gerwin said.
The landfill in Howard County accepts vegetable-based cooking oil from residents for recycling at the county's Alpha Ridge landfill. Used cooking oil can be recycled into industrial fuel, soap, cosmetics and poultry feed.
In some cases, homeowners take actions that are well-intended but don't work, such as mixing grease with hot water and soap before flushing it down the drain.
"As soon as that water meets other water and the grease cools off, that grease turns back hard," said Kelly of the Water Environment Federation. "That can back up into the home or the entire subdivision or area."
Ulman compared the effect of grease on the sewage system to what fats and oils can do to the human body. County Health Officer Dr. Peter L. Beilenson said overflows often have "literally stomach-turning effects" for swimmers, bathers and waders. Those effects come from bacteria and viruses released into water and the toxic metals that get into fish.
Restaurants have the same problem but different techniques for handling grease. They are required to have grease traps that divert the material from the sewer system, said Bert Nixon, director of Howard's Bureau of Environmental Health.
The grease is collected in barrels and transferred to rendering companies. If a grease blockage is traced to a restaurant, the county conducts an inspection and orders a cleanup, he said.
In the case of restaurants, systems often clog because of lack of maintenance, Kelly said.
"The restaurants are a huge issue," she said.
Combating grease
CULPRITS:
Meat fat
Lard
Cooking oil
Shortening
Butter and margarine
Food scraps
Baking goods
Sauces
Dairy products
WHAT CAN BE DONE:
Never pour grease down sink drains, garbage disposals or toilets.
Scrape grease and food scraps from dishes and cooking surfaces into a container or the trash for disposal.
Put strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps and other solids.
Source: Water Environment Federation
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