An appeal to Kildare businesses to ‘Think Before You Pour’ when disposing of Fats, Oils and Grease

Information below is relevant until further updates are provided here or on our Supply and Service Updates section

Uisce Éireann is appealing to businesses and residents in Kildare to correctly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOGs) and any business waste in a responsible manner.

In towns such as Leixlip, Celbridge and Maynooth, Uisce Éireann crews are finding blockages caused by pouring fats, oils or grease down the drain – leading to need for intervention and removal. Similarly, a high volume of business waste including rubble has needed to be removed from the sewage systems after incorrect disposal.  

Speaking about the issue, Uisce Éireann’s Ger Brady said, “Uisce Éireann is committed to safeguarding the local environment and returning wastewater safely to the environment. During the last few weeks however, we have started to experience a strain on the wastewater infrastructure in parts of Kildare, in particular Leixlip and other large towns, due to large volumes of fats, oils and grease being disposed of incorrectly into our networks.  

 “We are asking everyone, businesses and residents alike in Kildare, to be very conscious of the impact inappropriate disposal of fats, oils and grease can have on wastewater networks and treatment plants. We urge the public and businesses to continue to ‘Think Before You Pour’ and dispose of trade effluent and other products correctly.  

"While FOGs may be in a liquid form when poured, they quickly cool and harden in pipes. Over time, these solidified fats, oils, and greases form blockages that can disrupt, business operations, home plumbing,  and even the broader wastewater network. And that’s not all – FOGs combine with wipes, hair, and dental floss to create fatbergs. These blockages lead to costly repairs, local flooding, and serious environmental damage. 

“Uisce Éireann is investing in wastewater infrastructure right across the country. We are building new wastewater treatment plants, upgrading old plants and laying new sewers. However, it is still really important that both businesses and the wider public don’t discharge fats, oils and grease inappropriately and are aware of the impact of what they dispose of, so the network can function efficiently and effectively and protect the environment.” 

Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed about their water and wastewater supplies across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us on X @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn, through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.