What is a fatberg?

A fatberg is a congealed mass formed by the combination of non-biodegradable waste materials, such as fats, oils, grease, wet wipes, and other sanitary products, which are flushed down toilets or poured down sinks and drains. As these substances solidify, they can combine with other debris like food particles, hair, and debris flushed down the toilet, gradually forming a large, solid mass often found in sewage systems.

Fatbergs tend to accumulate in the sewers and can grow to enormous sizes. They can range from a few meters to several tons in weight. The term "fatberg" gained popularity in the early 2010s, although the phenomenon itself has been observed for many years.

Fatbergs pose numerous problems. Firstly, they can cause blockages in sewage systems, leading to backups, overflows, and potentially flooding of wastewater into streets, homes, or businesses. This can result in costly, extensive damage to infrastructure, as well as health concerns due to exposure to untreated sewage.

Moreover, fatbergs require significant resources and efforts to remove. They often need to be manually broken down or have high-pressure water jets used to disintegrate them. The extraction process can be time-consuming, expensive, and hazardous for workers.

The formation of fatbergs can be prevented through proper disposal of waste. Fats, oils, and grease should not be poured down the sink but instead collected in containers and disposed of in the trash. Wet wipes and other non-flushable items should never be flushed down the toilet, as they do not readily break down like toilet paper.

Fatbergs have become a growing concern in urban areas worldwide, prompting initiatives to raise awareness about proper waste disposal and the potential consequences of fatberg accumulation.