Anglian Water Unblocktober – Can you help please?

October 25, 2022

Unblocktober is a national campaign that runs throughout October to increase awareness around how we can improve the health of our sewers, watercourses and seas by watching what goes down the drain.

With over 70,000 food service establishments (FSE) in the region, we are particularly keen to work with these businesses on how fat, oil and grease (FOG) and food waste should be properly and legally disposed of. Anglian Water is currently working with more than 3,000 FSE’s, 70 per cent of which have now installed the correct grease traps and are compliant.

Anglian Water estimates that at any one time, there is approximately eight Olympic-sized swimming pools of FOG in our networks. Blockages of this kind reduce the much needed capacity in sewer pipes and lead to flooding and potentially serious pollution incidents affecting the local environment. All food serving establishments have a duty to ensure they have the correct grease trap installed and that it is maintained and cleaned throughout the year.

If found to be causing a blockage, an FSE could legally be asked to close their premises while repairs are carried out. In addition to this, they could be re-charged for the cost of removing the blockage and even prosecuted if the issues persist.

Anglian Water works in partnership with Environment Compliance & Services (ECAS) to help businesses install the correct grease trap and dispose of FOG correctly. ECAS helps to deliver training to businesses to ensure staff have the right knowledge and the business remains compliant. ECAS can also help businesses to install and maintain the correct grease trap. To date, these grease traps have prevented 1,148 tonnes of FOG from entering its sewers.

There is also a circular economy solution in place via a number of commercial catering schemes that offer a financial incentive to food serving establishments, for their used FOG. The used FOG can be converted to biodiesel, benefitting the environment while rewarding FSEs. Many waste carriers will collect used FOG for free. So, while there will be an initial cost for setting up a grease trap and disposing of FOG, businesses could save a significant amount long term whilst preventing harm to the environment – a win/win outcome!

As part of its purpose to bring environment and social prosperity to the region, Anglian Water continues to work in partnership with ECAS and food service establishments to ensure FOG is disposed of correctly and legally.  As one of the fastest growing regions in the UK, it is vital that everyone plays a part in saving our sewers, drains, watercourses and seas.

More information available here.