Keep Brockley’s Drains Flowing: Don’t Pour Oil Down the Sink

Cooking oil, fat and grease may be liquid when hot, but they cool and harden inside pipes. Over time, this can contribute to stubborn blockages, unpleasant smells and costly repairs—and may increase the risk of wastewater backing up into homes, streets and local waterways.

What should you do instead?

·       Let small amounts of oil or fat cool, then wipe pans and plates with kitchen paper before washing them.

·       Pour larger amounts into a sealed, non-breakable container and dispose of them with your household rubbish, following local waste guidance.

·       Keep food scraps, sauces and coffee grounds out of the sink too—use a sink strainer and put scraps in the appropriate waste bin.

·       Never pour oil into a street drain or gutter.

A simple rule: only water, suitable cleaning products and normal wastewater should go down the sink. By disposing of oil responsibly, we can help protect our homes, our streets and Brockley’s shared environment.