Local businesses encouraged to help ‘stop the block’ in Braunton

09th March 2020

South West Water is launching its Think Sink campaign for businesses in Braunton this month to remind food service establishments of their responsibilities regarding the proper disposal of fat, oil, grease and food waste.

Parts of the Braunton area have a history of sewer blockages and flooding. When disposed of via the sink, fat, oil, grease and food waste can build up in pipes. This causes blockages and flooding, as well as attracting vermin such as rats.

Every year, tens of thousands of litres of waste fat, cooking oil and grease are poured down sinks by people who don’t realise the problems this could cause.

In extreme cases, fat and oil can combine with other material to create fatbergs, as seen in Sidmouth when last year workers spent eight weeks braving exceptionally challenging conditions to break up 64 metres of congealed, fat, oil and wet wipes.

South West Water’s Director of Wastewater, Anthony Crawford, said: “Every year we deal with around 8,500 blocked sewers across our region, which costs about £4.5million. This has an impact on bills, which we’re trying to keep as low as possible. Overall, we spend £35million a year to maintain and upgrade the sewerage network.

“We’re doing our bit – and we’re seeking to enlist the help of businesses in the communities we serve. Our award-winning Love Your Loo and Think Sink campaigns have been encouraging household customers to play their part for several years.

“Over the next few weeks, specially trained South West Water advisors will be visiting hotels, restaurants, cafes and other food service establishments to provide advice on correct waste disposal and the simple changes they can make to help ‘stop the block’ in Braunton.”

Notes to editors

• To prevent sewer flooding and blockages it is important to dispose of fat, oil, grease and food waste appropriately. This includes scraping or wiping plates and cooking utensils before washing, and pouring liquid fat, oil and grease into suitable containers to cool before disposal.
• It is recommended that drainage serving kitchens in commercial hot food premises should be fitted with a grease separator or other effective means of grease removal, for example mechanical grease removal equipment or biological / bacterial dosing systems which break down grease.