Fats, Oils and Grease Programme

What is the Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Programme?

Fats, oils and grease cause problems when washed down the drains in commercial kitchens, during food preparation, or during washing up. When FOG cools it congeals and accumulates in pipelines and eventually, blocks pipes.

The objective of the FOG programme is to prevent blockages in the public drainage network by restricting the discharges of FOG from Food Service Establishments (FSEs).

On the 1st January 2014, Irish Water became the statutory body with responsibility for Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) programme.

What does the Fats, Oils and Grease Programme mean for businesses?

Under Section 16 of the Local Government Water Pollution Act (as amended), an individual or business may not discharge a trade effluent to the sewer except in accordance with a licence issued under these regulations.

Visit the Irish Water Trade Effluent Page to learn more about, or apply for a Trade Effluent Discharge to Sewer Licence.

What does the Fats, Oils and Grease Programme mean for residents?

If you are a Dublin City Council resident, you can bring used cooking oil to Bring Centres throughout the city.