Protect your pipes

• how to dispose of household waste
• businesses discharging of fat, oil or grease

When wipes, grease and other waste materials go down sinks and toilets, they can clog household plumbing and wastewater systems.

In your home, this can mean:

• blocked sanitary sewer pipes
• costly plumbing repairs
• flood damage from sanitary sewage backups in your basement

For municipal wastewater treatment equipment, this can cause:

• blocked sanitary sewer pipes
• buildup on wastewater handling equipment requiring unscheduled maintenance

Properly dispose of household waste

Not sure where it goes, ask the Region of Waterloo Waste Whiz.

• Put in the garbage:
  • Wipes including flushable wipes, disposable wipes, disinfecting wipes and baby wipes
  • Bandages and wraps
  • Extinguished cigarettes
  • Cotton swabs with a plastic rod
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Disposable diapers and baby wipes
  • Disposable toilet brushes and cleaning sponges
• Add to the Green bin:
  • Cotton balls, pads and swabs with a rolled paper or wooden rod
  • Fat, oils, and grease (limit of 1 cup)
  • Hair
  • Paper towels and napkins
• Other:
  • Medications - return to participating pharmacies
  • Household hazardous waste - return to the Region of Waterloo waste management depot

Businesses discharging fat, oil and grease

Businesses discharging fat, oil and grease must comply with the Region of Waterloo Sewer Use By-law 21-036 and apply for a permit. Workers, management, facility owners and property owners all must understand and manage the type of materials going down the drain.

• install and maintain a grease interceptor or trap
• make sure the great interceptor is the right size for your requirements
• connect all fixtures discharging grease to the interceptor
• maintain the device in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and CAN/CSA Standard B481
• Check and clean grease traps often and keep maintenance records with:
  • Date of service
  • Person doing work
  • Descriptions of repairs
  • Volume of water, solids, and grease in the interceptor and per cent volume occupied by water
  • Disposal method for materials removed
  • Do not use enzymes, bacteria, solvents, chemical agents, hot water or any other means to move grease through the interceptor
    • Correctly dispose of food scraps and fat, oil and grease
    • Don’t put fats, oil or grease down drains or toilets
    • Dry wipe dishes before washing
    • Dispose of food scraps and residue in the green bin or waste receptacle
    • Install screens over drains
      • Make sure staff understands and follows procedures for handling fat, oil and grease
      • Provide training
      • Supervise staff
      • Post reminders