FOG is one of the primary causes of blockages and clogs in sewer collection systems. Dorchester County Water & Sewer requires all commercial food service facilities that discharge food preparation wastewaters into the sewer collection system to have a Grease Interceptor installed prior to operation. This includes restaurants, motels, hotels, cafeterias, bakeries, and schools. Grease Interceptors should be properly maintained and continuously kept in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at their expense.

Fats, Oil, and Grease don’t belong in the drain. FOG that has been poured down the drain hardens, and causes sewer pipes to clog, leading to sanitary sewer overflow (SSO)—raw sewage backing up into your home, lawn, neighborhood, and streets. The unsanitary conditions can cause health issues and it can run into a nearby stream or river, which affects our drinking water. Grease build-up can cause clogs that are costly to fix—and is done so at the expense of the owner.

Any wastewater containing fats, oils, or grease (FOG) of an animal or vegetable origin in excess of one hundred (100mg/liter), or any flammable wastes, and grit, or other harmful ingredients being discharged into the wastewater system without prior approval of the Dorchester County Water & Sewer Department is prohibited.

Residents should follow Dorchester County Water & Sewer FOG guidelines to ensure that plumbing and sewer lines remain grease-free.

FOG includes more than just excess bacon grease or cooking oil. Common sources of FOG include milk, butter, salad dressings, mayonnaise, ice cream, and meat fats.

FOG Do’s and Don’ts

• Don’t pour grease or oil down any drain. This includes sinks, showers, and toilets.
• Don’t dump grease or oil on the ground. It can find its way into the natural waterways, harming fish and other aquatic life.
• Do scrape or wipe all pots, pans, and dishes before washing
• Do pour excess grease and oil into a disposal container. Once cool, dispose of it in the garbage or take it to one of twelve convenience sites in Dorchester County where it can be recycled.

Refer to Division 16 of the Dorchester County Water & Sewer Ordinance for more information regarding the Department's FOG Program.

Best Practices For Grease Management

Don't Waste Food SC

40% of the food supply in the United States is never consumed, costing $218 billion in wasted food and resources! This waste occurs while more than 41 million Americans are food insecure.

Dorchester County is working with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and several other organizations to reduce the amount of food waste. We want to reduce the amount of food waste in SC in half by 2030, so Dorchester County is now a Don't Waste Food SC (DWFSC) Ambassador!

Waste Haulers/Pumpers

All food service establishments (FSE) shall utilize a DHEC-licensed waste hauler/pumper to pump out and completely remove all contents, including floating materials, wastewater and bottom sludge and solids from both chambers of the interceptor.  (Grease interceptor cleaning shall include scraping excessive solids from the walls, floors, baffles and all pipe.)

To find a DHEC-licensed pumper please visit DHEC Septic Tanks. 

At the top left, please click Find a Septic Contractor which will bring up an interactive map with all of DHEC’s licensees related to septic systems.