Used cooking oil from Kitsap County is recycled into biodiesel in Salem, Oregon

Residents can recycle used cooking oil at three drop-off facilities in Kitsap County

Fats, oils and grease poured down drains will solidify and clog sewer pipes

Kitsap County Public Works | Sewer Utility

NEWSLETTER Winter 2017

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW BIODIESEL IS MADE AT BIODIESEL.ORG

2400 gallonsof used cooking oil collected at Kitsap County facilities was recycled into biodiesel from July 2015 – June 2016.

CAN THE GREASE!

Your Sewer Utility is offering free kits to residential customers to encourage proper disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease, commonly referred to as “FOG” in the wastewater industry. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 65% of sewer spills are FOG-related. The majority of these spills are in residential areas.

When poured down a drain, FOG can clog pipes anywhere on your property or in the sewer system. The resident is responsible for the cost of repairing the line on their own property, or even worse, clean up and repair if there is a backup into the home. Whether your house is on a septic system or connected to a sewer system, FOG can impact your pipes in a negative way. The Sewer Utility spends a significant amount of time and expense removing FOG from sewer pipes and pump stations, which impacts sewer rates.

We are asking residents to “Can the Grease” to help keep FOG out of our sewers. The free kits include a reusable lid that fits most standard-size food cans and a scraper to transfer grease to the can. It also includes instructions for proper disposal of grease and options for recycling cooking oil, which is accepted at three locations in Kitsap County.

Do your part to “Can the Grease” and protect your pipes! To request your free kit, contact Kitsap1 at 360-337-5777 or help@Kitsap1.com.

USED COOKING OIL RECYCLINGResidents may recycle fats, used cooking oils and grease at one of the following locations, at no cost. For directions and hours, visit kitsapgov.com/sw/facilities.htm.

Hansville Recycling and Garbage Facility7791 NE Ecology RdKingston, WA 98346360.638.2710

Recycling Tips:1. Transport - LIQUID cooking oils in a secure container to recycle2. Avoid Spills - pour slowly and with care into collection tank 3. Leave Nothing Behind - take your containers with you to dispose at home 4. Do Not Contaminate - with bones, food particles or motor oil

Poulsbo Recycling Center21868 NW Viking WayPoulsbo, WA 98370360.779.1044

Olympic View Transfer Center9300 SW Barney White RdBremerton, WA 98312360.674.2297

Sewer Utility customers will see a 3% increase in rate in January 2017. Due to the bimonthly billing cycle, some customers will receive a bill with 2016 and 2017 rates combined. Sewer rates for Kitsap County are projected based on a 20-year planning horizon. Rates are set on a five-year schedule that is approved by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. Why are sewer fees necessary?The Sewer Utility is solely supported by its customers and receives no other revenues. Funds collected pay for operations and maintenance of sewer pipes, pump stations and wastewater treatment facilities. Any remaining funds go toward reserves to pay for improvements and upgrades to our sewer system.

County Code 13.14.080 mandates monthly sewer fees to cover the maintenance, operation and replacement of sewer systems. Washington State law RCW 36.94.140 requires sewer utilities to charge customers an amount that will cover any debt, operational expenses and maintenance costs.

Kitsap County Public Works | Kitsap1: 360.337.5777| KitsapGov.com4101 (11/16)

WHAT QUALIFIES AS FOG (FATS, OILS AND GREASE)?When we think of FOG in the kitchen, fried foods and cooking oil may come to mind. But there are other sources of FOG that may surprise you:

• Dairy products• Gravy• Mayonnaise• Salad Dressing

When disposing of these items, use the trash can, not the drain. FOG can be removed from plastic tubs with a spatula or paper towel before recycling the container. Hot water and soap may wash FOG down the drain, but it will eventually cool and solidify in pipes where it can cause clogs and sewage backups. Avoid putting FOG in the garbage disposal as well. It will grind up with foods, and then you have greasy particles causing blockages to form faster.

• Frosting• Lard and shortening

SEWER RATES INCREASE IN JANUARY

Five Year Rate Plan* for 2016-2020

$40

$50

$60

$70

$80

Multi FamilySingle Family

20202019201820172016

$67.98

$54.18 $55.80

$70.02 $72.12 $74.28

$59.20

$76.51

$60.98 $57.48

*Per month