On November 25, 2014, the City of Ames adopted the FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) Ordinance to encourage the prevention of discharging FOG into the sewer infrastructure. All Food Service Establishments (FSEs) in the Ames Community are required to dispose of their FOG waste in a responsible manner. Ames residents are also encouraged to dispose of FOG in the garbage, instead of down the drains. 

FOG Ordinance Chapter 28.308

FOG PowerPoint Presentation

Fats, oils, and grease can not only cause significant damage to your home's plumbing, but also the City sewer system. They can clog your sink, block your line to the water main, and can be expensive to fix. Please follow the steps below to dispose of FOG the proper way:

• Remove fats, oils, and grease from dishes and pans by wiping with a paper towel into the garbage before washing.
• Let grease and cooking oil cool, then pour into a sealable container and place in the garbage.
• Use the garbage disposal as little as possible. Instead, place a strainer over the sink drain to catch solids and empty into the trash as needed.
• If your plans include using a hot oil fryer, the grease needs to be disposed of after cooking. Don't leave oil in a fryer to reuse. The grease will attract pests and may not be safe to use later.
• Used cooking oil is accepted at the Resource Recovery Plant located at 110 Center Avenue, just off of East Lincoln Way. They will accept up to five gallons of cooking oil at no charge, and it's just 25 cents per gallon after that. You can contact them at 515-239-5137. Hours for the Resource Recovery Plant are: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. - noon.
• Click here for Holiday and Cooking FOG Reduction TIPS! 

Best Management Practices

Best Management Practices - Small Poster

Best Management Practices - Large Poster

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My business does not prepare or handle food of any kind, but we still must have a Food Service License.  Can we receive an exemption from the requirements of the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program?

A: To be fair and impartial to all Food Service Establishments (FSE), all business with a Food Service License will be required to submit a certification form showing compliance with the program during the previous six-month period. 

FSE's without food preparation on-site will be able to certify by implementing Best Management Practices (BMP's) to prevent FOG from going down the drain. 

Implementation of a BMP program and a six-month certification that the BMP's are being followed, will allow an FSE to comply with the program and avoid paying the Restaurant Surcharge rate. 

Q: Am I allowed to use additives or emulsifiers (anaerobic or otherwise) to reduce the accumulation of Fats, Oils, and Grease in my plumbing or my grease removal device?

A: The City of Ames Municipal Code prohibits the use of additives or emulsifiers designed for the purpose of reducing Fats, Oils, and Grease accumulation, unless first approved by the Director of Water and Pollution Control.  At this time, the City will not approve vendors or products.  Rather, we will look into, on a case by case basis, for each establishment.  FSE's can call 515-239-5150 or email FOG@cityofames.org to request approval for an additive or emulsifier before initial use. 

Forms

FOG Certification form

Best Management Practices Guide (BMP Guide)

Best Management Practices Training Log (BMP Training Log) 

Best Management Practices Checklist (BMP Checklist)

Grease Interceptor Inspection Checklist  

Grease Interceptor Maintenance Log

How to Complete Grease Interceptor Log

For information on Resource Recovery's Food Waste Diversion Program, click here. 

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer