YORKSHIRE Water has urged catering businesses not to tip fats, oils or grease down the sink.

The company said it had to tackle almost 17,000 sewer blockages in the region last year – and about 36% of them were due to deposits of fat, oil and grease from catering kitchens.

Now the Bradford-based company has joined industry association Water UK to provide advice on how restaurants, hotels, cafes and works canteens should dispose of fat without blocking drains and sewers.

The advice – which can be downloaded from yorkshirewater.com/yourbusiness – includes simple tips such as wiping and scraping plates, pans and utensils before washing them and putting the waste in the bin; collecting waste oil in a secure container and arranging for it to be collected by an approved and licensed waste contractor; using strainers in sink plug holes and maintaining grease traps and de-greasing equipment regularly.

Yorkshire Water spokesman Brian Smith said: “Every establishment which disposes of fats, oils and grease in sinks and drains is at risk of experiencing damaging and costly drainage problems. They could also cause harm to the environment if a blockage results in a sewage spill.

“By following some of the tips provided in the booklet, catering businesses can help prevent blockages.”