FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             December 12, 2006

CITY GIVES AWAY OIL DISPOSAL BOXES

TO KEEP HOLIDAY GREASE OUT OF WASTEWATER SYSTEM

            Continuing its effort to help prevent fat, oil and grease (FOG) from clogging Oahu’s wastewater collection system, the City Department of Environmental Services is extending its annual Holiday FOG Outreach Campaign.

             Beginning Friday (December 15,), City personnel will be giving out  a free oil change box with the purchase of a holiday turkey, roast or ham  or cooking oil at various Foodland and Times supermarket locations. 

            The idea is to get the public to dispose of waste cooking oil and grease in these boxes and dispose of them in the trash rather than pouring/washing it down the drain. It’s what’s called a “best management practice” that could help cut down on the number of wastewater spills on Oahu.  

             FOG is involved in dozens of wastewater spills on Oahu each year. Although the number has declined since new FOG program rules were implemented six years ago, there is still room for improvement.

            “In past years, we gave out educational flyers during the holidays as part of our FOG Outreach program,” said Eric Takamura, director of Environmental Services. “This year, we’re taking another step with the oil change boxes. We gave out 1,400 boxes to consumers in November before Thanksgiving.”

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CONTACT:

      James Baginski, Regulatory Control Branch Chief, 692-5590