Fats, Oils & Grease

The City of Cocoa Beach Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Ordinance 1675 was adopted by City Commission on May 4, 2023, because the City has experienced many issues related to FOG. 

FOG that makes its way into the wastewater system can cause problems within the sewer system infrastructure.

Grease in a warm liquid may not appear harmful, but as the liquid cools, the grease or fat congeals onto the surface of the interior of pipes and other surfaces. The buildup will decrease pipe capacity, lead to stoppages and backups, and sometimes even cause a shutdown of wastewater treatment lift stations.

Each year millions of gallons of wastewater are discharged nationally through Sanitary System Overflows (SSO). Wastewater overflow goes into the local environment and surrounding bodies of water, directly impacting local wildlife and our community.

In addition to the environmental cost, there is often a financial cost. Issues caused by FOG mean more frequent cleaning and sometimes require piping to be replaced earlier than expected. Sewer backups can be costly to taxpayers as well as the Utility.

It is essential to dispose of fats, oils, grease, and other household waste properly. Customers can take a few simple steps to help prevent sewer backups and protect our infrastructure and the environment. 

How you can help:

• NEVER pour fats, oils, or grease down drains or toilets.
• Before washing dishes, scrape food scraps that contain fats, oils, and grease into your garbage or compost.
• ALWAYS pour or scrape cooled fats, oils, and grease into a covered, disposable container and throw it away.
• Soak up the remaining oils and grease with an absorbent material such as a paper towel and throw it into your garbage.
• Commercial establishments are encouraged to contact our F.O.G. Inspector at (321) 868-3317 to learn more and obtain the required forms and applications.

The City of Cocoa Beach has been actively pursuing a FOG management program.  Since this is a new program, we are finding that many existing establishments are not in compliance.  With this, we are giving these establishments adequate time to become compliant.  After the adequate time, fees may be assessed.  New establishments shall be compliant from the onset of the program. The program will comply with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations and directives with our goal to protect the City’s Infrastructure, educate our customers and better protect the environment.