[Cymraeg]
Restaurants and caterers across Wales are being urged to dispose of fats, oil and grease responsibly - to reduce the massive amount of sewer blockages caused by food waste.
Dwr Cymru Welsh Water is asking businesses to dispose of cooking waste carefully, to help prevent the build up of fats that cause around three quarters of sewer blockages in Wales.
The company's 'Drains Awareness Wales' campaign has been launched to keep caterers informed of correct disposal of waste - and asking them to think twice about what goes down the sink. The message is that blocked drains are bad for business and the environment, and could prove costly to clear.
The campaign is backed by Environment Agency Wales, the Consumer Council for Water Wales, and the industry body Water UK.
Bob Evans, Wastewater Strategy Manager for Welsh Water. said, "Every year in the public sewers in Welsh Water's operating area we clear over 15,000 sewer blockages that can cause great inconvenience and unpleasantness through flooding, pollution, odours, overflowing drains, sinks and toilets. They can put a business out of action until the blockage is cleared."
To highlight best practise Welsh Water and Sovereign Leisure who manage Cardiff Bay's Mermaid Quay commercial development, have issued the first Drains Awareness Wales commendation - to the popular Pearl of the Orient Restaurant. The restaurant, part of the Mng Group, has installed an enzyme-dosing unit and follows best practice for the disposal of food waste. They also recycle their cooking oil, which is picked up by a licensed waste carrier free of charge and recycled as bio-diesel, used to fuel vehicles.
Chris Mills, Director of Environment Agency Wales said: "One business' waste fat is another business' raw material. We'd much rather see it collected and managed by responsible operators who can put it to good use, rather than having it causing problems in the sewerage system and in the environment."
Stephen Chan, Manager of Mng Group, added: "We are delighted to be recognised by such an important project, properly controlled waste management not only looks after the environment, but is synonymous with a high level of food hygiene - we wish the campaign every success."
Diane McCrea, Chair of CCWater Wales, said: "Blocked drains from fats, oil and grease are completely avoidable yet they are also a major cause of sewer flooding. We are backing this campaign all the way - anything that reduces the risk of sewer flooding for consumers and businesses, and keeps costs of cleaning drains down has got to be good news."
Full information on correct disposal of fats, oil and grease is available in our information pack which also contains a 'Dos and Don'ts' poster, please ring the Welsh Water freephone publications hotline on 0800 052 0138 for your free copy.