Islanders urged to prevent fatbergs this Christmas

Wet wipes flushed down toilets can lead to blockages

Guernsey Water is urging islanders against putting cooking grease down kitchen sinks and flushing wipes down toilets to avoid sewage blockages.

It comes ahead of the Christmas period when fat can accumulate in sewers leading to so-called fatbergs.

It follows a plea in October urging people not to flush underwear down toilets.

Guernsey Water, which cleans 22 miles (35km) of drains a year, says that everyone has the power to prevent blockages.

Steve Connolly, engineering technician at Guernsey Water, told BBC Radio Guernsey: "It goes through the toilets, it goes through the sinks.

"They are pouring heavy grease down the sinks and if we can prevent that it will save a lot of trouble."

Guernsey Water has this advice on disposal of fats, oils and grease:

• Oil in small quantities: Wipe out pans with a small amount of kitchen paper and place in food waste caddy.

• Roasting juices: Carefully pour these into a cup or pot, once solidified and cool, remove them from the pot or cup and place in food waste caddy.

• Other fats (including butter, goose or duck fat but no liquid oils or fats) should be placed in food waste caddy, once cooled and solidified.

• Large quantities of vegetable oil, such as those from deep fat fryers, should be cooled and taken to the Longue Hougue Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

• For commercial quantities please contact Waste Oil Recycling on 01481 241133 to arrange collection for a small charge.