Recycling used cooking oil (also known as FOG’s – “Fats, Oils and Grease”) is always the best option. Many landfills do not accept the substance, since in its liquid form it can contaminate water tables.

Pouring it down the drain is a leading cause of sewer backups for homes and businesses. Soap and hot water do not break down the grease; they merely carry it further down the drain where the water cools and oils begin to congeal in the pipes, eventually forming a wall of grease.

YLWD Fats, Oils, and Grease Control Regulations

Residents

Residents are asked to mix fats, oils, and grease with absorbent waste such as paper towels, kitty litter, coffee grounds, or shredded newspaper before discarding in the trash.

Restaurants – FOG Fees

Restaurants are required to store fats, oils, and grease in containers that are picked up by permitted recycling and rendering facilities. These facilities can convert the FOG into viable resources such as biodiesel.  Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from waste cooking oils and renewable energy crops.

The fees adopted per Resolution No. 2024-10 for Yorba Linda Water District’s Fats, Oils, and Grease Permit Program effective July 1, 2024, shall be as follows:

Initial Permit and Application Fee$250.00 per Food Service Establishment
Annual Renewal$250.00 per Year per Food Service Establishment
Non-Compliance Fee$440.00 per Occurrence
Mitigation FeeActual Costs*

*Actual costs will be invoiced based on District’s current salary rates, benefits, materials, and equipment rates in effect at that time.

Cross Section of a Blue Pipe with a Clog Caused by Fats, Oils, and Grease.
Cross Section of a Rusty Blue Pipe with a Clog Caused by Fats, Oils, and Grease.