The discharge of fats, oils and solid food waste into the sewerage system is a significant environmental and management problem with negative impacts on both the sewage networks, pumping stations and treatment plants. In addition, fats and oils are associated with pipeline blockages that can lead to sewer overflows with significant environmental impacts, including risks to public health.

The dumping of food, fatty substances and oil residues in the sewerage network causes serious problems in the network (such as sedimentation, constrictions, blockages, operational problems in the Waste Water Treatment Plants), and is also responsible for the presence of insects and rodents (cockroaches, mice, etc.) in the manholes. At the same time, the above incorrect practice causes an unbearable financial burden on DEYAP for the effective maintenance of the network and operation of the biological treatment plants. Large quantities of the above categories greatly increase the incoming organic load that each Wastewater Treatment Plant is “required” to reduce in order to comply with legislation and not pollute the environment. The cost is mainly energy-related but also causes severe stress – wear and tear on the mechanical equipment.

In order to ensure the proper operation of the municipal sewerage network, the Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTP) of DEYAP and the avoidance of pollution of the water recipient, the necessary measures must be taken to ensure that the incoming wastewater of all businesses on the island is as similar as possible to domestic wastewater.

Thus, between 30/5 and 10/6, DEYAP will carry out visits to the island’s food & beverage businesses in order to investigate the protection measures that catering businesses apply -as they are required to do under regulatory provisions and the legal framework- to protect the sewerage system from the discharge of waste fats, oils, fatty substances and solid food waste.

Food & beverage businesses that produce waste cooking fats must:
– Separate used cooking fats and oils before they enter the sewage system and collect them for recovery or disposal in accordance with the provisions of the National and European legislation in force at the time.
– install and operate appropriate grease traps in accordance with current international technical standards so that those fats and oils that cannot be separated at source are trapped in them.
– Contract with approved fat and oil collection companies.
– Maintain cleaning records (contracts, documents) and other evidence of the application of the above requirements.
– Ensure hygienic storage of the separated fats and oils so as not to contaminate premises, equipment and foodstuffs.

The above are explicitly mentioned in the current legislation, Government Gazette 2161B/23.6.2017, in articles 7 of Y1c/G.P/oik.47829.

The aim should be to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the sewerage network and Waste Water Treatment Plants, while protecting the environment and Public Health.

The proper functioning of the sewerage networks is a key element in ensuring hygiene in public areas, maintaining the aesthetic beauty and ensuring the conditions for sustainable development of the island and is a permanent concern of the Municipality of Paros, DEYAP, but also of the economic and social development agencies.