Clean Coasts and Irish Water have called on the people of Cork to 'Think Before You Pour' any fats, oils or greases down the sink this Christmas.
Collaborating with well-known chefs Lilly Higgins and Kwanghi Chan, the campaign advises the public to allow FOGs to cool and then put in the bin to help prevent pipe blockages and protect the natural and built environment.
A recent survey revealed that over the past four years there has been a reduction in the number of people regularly pouring damaging items down the sink (50% in 2018 to 34% in 2022).
However, this still means that approximately 3 out of 10 people are still pouring FOGs down the kitchen sink.
Tom Cuddy, Head of Operations, Irish Water said:
“This Christmas let’s reduce the number of wastewater blockages backing up into our houses and gardens or spilling into the local environment. We want to remind the public not to use their kitchen sink as a bin. ‘Think before You Pour’: don’t pour those Fats, Oils and Greases (FOGs) down the sink, but use a heat proof container to collect them, and put them in the bin once they have cooled. This will help prevent pipe blockages and protect the natural and built environment.
“Every month Irish Water clears approximately 2,000 blockages from the wastewater network. Survey results this year show that approximately 3 out of 10 people admit to pouring FOGs down the kitchen sink which contributes to these blockages. Let’s work together and keep our pipes free flowing.”
