MAWSS GREASE RECYCLING PROGRAM
Protect Your Pipes and Mobile's Waterways.
Pouring cooking grease down the drain clogs pipes, backs up sewers and damages our local water systems. The fix is simple: cool it, collect it in a MAWSS grease recycling container and exchange it.
Meet the Ungreasy Families!
The Problem
Grease Down the Drain Causes Bigger Problems.
Pouring cooking grease down the drain may seem harmless, but it leads to clogged pipes, sewer backups and damage to local water systems. Over time, grease hardens into a costly, preventable mess for homes and the community.
What Is F.O.G.?
The Trouble With Fats, Oils and Grease.
In the wastewater industry, including here at the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS), F.O.G. stands for Fats, Oils and Grease. These substances are a major operational challenge for our local utility for a few specific reasons:
Grease Blockages
When cooking fats, oils and grease go down the drain or into a commercial grease trap, they cool and harden. Over time these thick buildups can completely choke the sewer pipes.
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
These backups reduce pipe capacity and can force raw sewage to overflow back into homes, streets and local waterways such as Robinson Bayou.
Management
MAWSS actively combats this with education and recycling initiatives like the Easy to Be Ungreasy campaign. We also enforce strict environmental permit regulations for food service establishments to ensure proper commercial grease trap maintenance.
MAWSS Drop-Off Cage
The Solution
A Simple Way to Make a Difference.
Let the grease cool, pour it into a MAWSS Easy-to-Be-Ungreasy grease recycling container and exchange it at any participating location when full. Your plumbing stays clear, and so do the city's sewers.
Find a Drop Off Location
Recycle Your Grease the Right Way.
MAWSS provides free grease recycling containers designed specifically for collecting used cooking grease. They make it easy to store, seal and transport your grease so you can exchange it the right way, reducing buildup in your pipes and protecting local infrastructure.
Find a Drop Off Location
How it Works
Simple Steps to Stay Ungreasy...
01
Pour cooled grease in container
02
Seal container
03
Wipe off excess grease
04
Clean with soap & water
05
Exchange your full container at any location and get another one free!
Why It Matters
Protect Your Home & Community.
Proper grease exchange prevents plumbing issues at home and protects sewer systems and nearby waterways. Small actions in every kitchen add up to a meaningful difference for Mobile.
Drop-Off Locations
Drop a full grease recycling container off at any participating spot below. Tap a pin or address to see it on the map.