Christmas is coming and the turkey's 'got fat'

16/12/2005

Feast on roast turkey this Christmas but make sure sinks and drains are starved from its fat.

Northumbrian Water’s Grease Monkey, Chips, is not mincing his words this Christmas as he reminds people how to dispose of turkey fat properly.

When fat, hot or cold, is poured down sinks and drains it causes many problems.  The fat cools, solidifies and builds up in the sewers creating blockages.  This can cause homes and gardens to be flooded and can also have a negative impact on the environment.

The correct way to dispose of (Christmas turkey) fat and grease is Chips’ way!  Allow it to cool then scrape or pour it out into newspaper or an old cardboard box and put it in the bin.

Customers have put sewer flooding as a priority for Northumbrian Water’s five-year investment programme (2005 – 2010).  A total of £380 million is being invested on upgrading Northumbrian Water’s sewerage network from Berwick down to North Yorkshire across to the Pennines.

Cleaning grease at just one big sewage treatment works costs about £50,000 a year.  Northumbrian Water has hundreds of sewage treatment works and over 15,500km of sewers to look after.

Everyone can help Chips to prevent sewer flooding.  Stop fat and grease entering the sewers in the first place – dispose of meat and turkey fat, food scraps and brandy sauce properly this Christmas – put it in the bin!

An alternative to putting turkey fat in the bin, give garden birds a festive treat this winter and ensure they receive the energy they need to survive the bitterly cold weather.

Garden birds struggle to find food during the winter months.  Birdcakes can be made with solidified grease mixed with birdseed, raisins and chopped peanuts and hang from trees or crumble on bird tables.

For further information please contact Joanne Dye on 0191 301 6733.