FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 25, 2025

For More Information Contact:
Adam Dorrell
Public Works Director
660.627.1291

Protect your pipes, don't put fats, oils, grease down the drain

(Kirksville, MO) - Plenty of great cooking happens during the holidays. To help prevent sewer backup in your home or damage to City infrastructure, the Kirksville Public Works Department reminds residents not to put any leftovers or cooking byproducts down the drain.

Fats, oils and grease are found in or created by some of our favorite foods – like meat, butter, oil, gravy, sauces, mayonnaise, cheese and salad dressing. Fats, oils and grease harden and congeal over time, which can cause blockages in your sewer line. Blockages can cause sewer backup in your home or damage your pipes. If those blockages dislodge and travel into the sewer system, they can stress and damage City infrastructure.

Helpful tips for holiday cooking:
• Never pour fats, oils, or grease down sink drains, garbage disposals, or toilets.
• Pour them into a covered, disposable container (coffee can, glass jar, bottle, etc.) and put that in the trash.
• Once a pan or pot has cooled, wipe it with a paper towel before washing.
• Place fatty food scraps in the trash and not the sink or garbage disposal.
• Use the basket or strainer on your sink drain to catch food scraps and other solids, then put those in the trash.
 

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