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City offers free “Fat Trappers” to prevent sewer overflows

Durham residents can now request a free Fat Trapper kit from the city’s Water Management department so people don’t pour fats, oils and grease down their drains, where they would enter the city’s sewer system. 

Fats, oils and grease can solidify and accumulate in pipes, causing blockages and overflows that can lead to environmental health issues, the city said.

The kits offer an alternative to pouring these items down a drain. The kits contain an airtight canister with foil lined disposable bags. Grease is poured directly into the bags, sealed and discarded.

Residents can request a free Fat Trapper or refill bags online. Due to high demand, delivery of new Fat Trappers may be delayed by several weeks, but the city says it is working as quickly as possible to fulfill all requests. 

The department encourages residents to learn more about the impact of fats, oils and grease on the sewer system by reading the 2024 Sewer Report.

Articles in The 10th Street Journal are generated by AI and reviewed by human editors.