Uisce Éireann appeals to Skerries businesses to ‘Think Before You Pour’

Ahead of the Skerries Eco Festival Fair, Uisce Éireann says it is appealing to businesses and residents in Skerries, to correctly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and any business waste in a responsible manner.

Uisce Éireann has confirmed that pouring fats, oils or grease down the sink is causing blockages across the wastewater networks, where the utility is repeatedly clearing trade effluent from the wastewater network, after incorrect disposal.

Speaking about the issue, Uisce Éireann’s Katrina Browne said,?“Uisce Éireann is committed to safeguarding the local environment and returning wastewater safely to the environment.

“During the last few weeks however, we have experienced an increased strain on the wastewater infrastructure in parts of Skerries, due to large volumes of fats, oils and grease being disposed of incorrectly into our networks.

“Ahead of the festival this weekend, we are urging everyone, businesses and residents alike, to be very conscious of the impact inappropriate disposal of fats, oils and grease can have on wastewater networks and treatment plants.

“We urge the public and businesses to continue to ‘Think Before You Pour’ and dispose of trade effluent and other products correctly.

“A Food Service Establishment that discharges trade effluent into the sewer system is legally required to obtain a trade effluent licence and install an appropriate, purpose-fit grease trap on their premises”.

While FOGs may be in a liquid form when poured, they quickly cool and harden in pipes.

Over time, these solidified fats, oils, and greases form blockages that can disrupt, business operations, home plumbing and even the broader wastewater network.

And that’s not all – FOGs combine with wipes, hair, and dental floss to create fatbergs. These blockages lead to costly repairs, local flooding, and serious environmental damage.

Katrina continued: “Uisce Éireann is investing in wastewater infrastructure right across the country. We are building new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading old plants and laying new sewers.

“However, it is still really important that both businesses and the wider public don’t discharge fats, oils and grease inappropriately and are aware of the impact of what they dispose of, so the network can function efficiently and effectively and protect the environment.”

Patrick Cross, Think Before You Pour Campaign Officer at Clean Coasts, added: Small changes can have a big impact on the places we live and work in and the health and vitality of our natural spaces.

“Let’s work together to protect our drains, rivers, and beaches – all by making a simple effort to dispose of fats, oils and greases from cooking the right way.”

The “Think Before You pour” campaign, operated by Clean Coasts in partnership with Uisce Éireann, emphasises the importance of appropriate behaviour and disposal of items including Fats, oils, and greases.

FOGS can form blockages in our homes, businesses, public sewer network and wastewater treatment plants.

These blockages can even lead to overflows of sewage that can damage the environment.

It’s not just greases from cooking we need to be careful of pouring down the drain.

Many products contain fats and oils and should be handled carefully while being disposed of, including?gravy and other sauces, food scrapings, mayonnaise and salad dressings, ground coffee and loose tea leaves, ice-cream and dairy products.

When and where you can stick these items in the bin rather than down the sink.

In support of their “Think Before You Pour” campaign, Clean Coasts will attend the Skerries Eco Festival Fair which will take place at The Skerries Community Centre?(main hall)?with information stalls, eco friendly crafters, music, talks, and chats. Pop by for a chat.