Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease (FROG) Program
What is a FROG Program?
Fats, rags, oils, and grease (FROG) are common pollutants that can clog and damage sewer systems. These materials can harm pipes in homes, businesses, and wastewater treatment plants. When fats, oils, and grease (FOG) enter the sewer, they harden and stick to the pipes. This slows down water flow and can cause big clogs called fatbergs, which may lead to sewer overflows. These overflows can send dirty water into streets, yards, and homes.
Rags can also get stuck in pipes and pumps, causing more blockages. FROG materials can lead to health risks, costly repairs, and polluted water. The FROG Program helps prevent these problems by keeping FROG materials out of the sewer system.
As our community grows, so do the demands on public infrastructure. Sewer lines and pump stations need more frequent maintenance, wastewater treatment becomes more expensive, and backups must be prevented. The FROG Program helps protect our sanitary sewer system by educating the public on the proper disposal of FROG.
Common Sources of FROG:
FROG comes from many everyday items. These materials often enter the sanitary sewer through drains, dishwashers, and toilets in homes, restaurants, and businesses.
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How does FROG Affect Me?
Have you ever tried to drink a thick milkshake through a small straw? That’s what it’s like for sewer pipes when they get clogged with FROG (Fats, Rags, Oils, and Grease). When FROG builds up, it can slow down or block drains in your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets.
These blockages can cause sewage to back up into homes and yards. They can also lead to overflows that pollute our rivers, streams, and drinking water. Clogs in the sewer system can attract bugs, rats, and other pests, creating health risks for everyone. On top of that, fixing these problems can be very expensive.
That’s why it’s important to keep FROG out of the sewer system. Preventing clogs is much easier and cheaper than fixing damage or cleaning up sewage messes.
Everyone in the community can help. By learning what not to put down the drain and working together—residents, businesses, and Lebanon Utilities—we can keep our sewer system running safely and smoothly.
Learn more about specific sources of FROG: