Kildare households to think before they pour this Christmas

THIS CHRISTMAS, Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann are asking Kildare families to refrain from pouring oil down the sink to prevent blocks in pipes, and to protect Ireland’s wastewater network.

As families prepare for another season of indulgent roasts, gravies and treats, the campaign reminds everyone that leftover Fats, Oils and Greases (FOGs) should never go down the sink.

While hot fats may look harmless, they cool quickly inside pipes, causing hardened blockages that can clog plumbing, overwhelm wastewater systems and contribute to pollution in rivers, beaches and coastal areas.

The fix is straightforward: let FOGs cool, collect them in a container and place them in the bin. Scraping plates, wiping pans before washing and using a sink strainer also reduce the amount of food waste entering the kitchen drain A national survey shows improvement in how people dispose of FOGs, with fewer households pouring them down the sink (from 44% in 2018 to 36% in 2024). However, one-third of people continue the habit, meaning thousands of blockages still form each year.

When FOGs combine with wipes, hair and other household waste, they form fatbergs: large masses that can block drains, damage infrastructure and contribute to local flooding and environmental harm. Uisce Éireann clears thousands of blockages every year, many caused by FOG build-up.

FOGs solidify quickly, and once they do, they create blockages that are costly, disruptive and harmful to the environment. By thinking before pouring, households can prevent issues at home and contribute to healthier waterways nationwide.

This festive season, Clean Coasts and Uisce Éireann encourage everyone to commit to one promise: Bin it before you clog it!