Fatbergs: Q&A

Q What are fatbergs and what causes them?

A Fatbergs are large lumps of fatty gunk in the sewer system which can set as hard as concrete. They are caused by fat, oil and grease (FOG) being disposed of incorrectly down sinks and drains. They may combine with other items which should not have been flushed away, such as wet wipes and sanitary products.

Q But aren’t the oils in liquid form?

A Fat, oil and grease in liquid form may not appear to be harmful but they congeal when they cool down. Whether it is saturated fat, like lard, or mono-unsaturated fat, like olive oil or vegetable oil, they all congeal and harden.

Q How big can fatbergs become?

A A giant fatberg was discovered in a London sewer last year. The “monster” fatberg, weighing more than ten double-decker buses, was 250 metres long.