In anticipation of the holiday season, Lynchburg Water Resources (LWR) and Bedford Regional Water Authority (BRWA) have partnered to encourage citizens to properly dispose of cooking fats, oils, and grease by giving away free disposal kits that can be used to contain the drippings from holiday meals and be returned to water either provider for sustainable disposal.

One of the biggest issues in local sewer systems is the buildup of fats, oils, and grease in the sewer pipes as a result of being poured down the drain. When combined with non-flushable items (like wet wipes and shop rags), they solidify to create fatbergs that block the sewer lines and cause costly and unsafe overflows into backyards, forests, and streams.

“Fats, oils, and grease may seem harmless when poured down the drain, but they can lead to clogged pipes, expensive repairs, and environmental damage. By properly disposing of these substances, each of us can protect our water resources,” said Cody Lawhorn, Senior Communications Specialist for BRWA.

To help protect our pipes and the environment LWR and BRWA are partnering to distribute free at-home grease collection kits. All of the collected grease will be recycled into an environmentally friendly biofuel.

“These kits provide our community with the information and tools they need to protect our infrastructure and environment, right at the kitchen sink. We encourage the community to practice proper grease disposal methods during the holiday season and year-round,” said Tim Mitchell, Director of LWR.

The free grease collection kits include a funnel, can lid, sponge, dish scraper, and informational hand-outs on how to use the items and properly dispose of the grease. The kits will be available at a variety of locations thanks to community partnerships with Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, the Lynchburg Community Market, Bedford County Waste Management, and Bedford Christian Ministries.

Citizens can pick up at-home recycling kits at the following locations during open hours unless otherwise noted:

• Lynchburg Community Market (during the holiday season)
• Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Neighborhood Centers (year-round)
• Templeton Center (year-round)
• Lynchburg College Hill Water Treatment Plant (year-round)
• Lynchburg Regional Water Resources Recovery Facility (24/7 year-round)
• Bedford Regional Water Authority Administration Building (year-round)
• Bedford Regional Water Authority Smith Mountain Lake Water Treatment Facility (during the holiday season)
• Bedford County Waste Drop-off sites (kit pick-up only - during the holiday season)
• Bedford Christian Ministries (during the holiday season)

To recycle cooking fats, oils, and grease throughout the holiday season (and year-round), drop off sealed containers at any of the locations above during regular business hours, unless otherwise noted. Containers may also be dropped off at all Lynchburg Fire Department Fire Stations from November 18th through December 31st.

For more information about “Enjoy the Feast, Recycle the Grease,” visit:

• https://www.lynchburgva.gov/545/Enjoy-The-Feast-Recycle-The-Grease
• https://www.brwa.com/your-brwa/environment-innovation/grease-fats-recycling-frog/ 

About the Bedford Regional Water Authority: 

The Bedford Regional Water Authority (BRWA) provides water and wastewater services to the residents and businesses in Bedford County and the Town of Bedford; additionally, the BRWA partners with the Western Virginia Water Authority to serve customers surrounding Smith Mountain Lake in both Bedford and Franklin County. Visit www.brwa.com for more information.

About Lynchburg Water Resources: 

Lynchburg Water Resources (LWR) ensures that Lynchburg residents enjoy an uninterrupted supply of quality drinking water, reliable sewer service, and proper stormwater management. The mission of Lynchburg Water Resources is to promote the life, health and prosperity of our community. Visit www.lynchburgva.gov/waterresources for more information.

For more information, call Lynchburg Water Resources at 434.455.4250.

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For more information, please contact: 
Jason Snyder
Public Information Officer
Lynchburg Water Resources
434.455.4226
jason.snyder@lynchburgva.gov 

Cody Lawhorn
Senior Communications Specialist
Bedford Regional Water Authority
540-586-7679 extension 142
clawhorn@brwa.com