Like cholesterol in an artery, FOG builds up on the sides of sewer pipes, eventually leading to overflows. The US EPA estimates that sewer grease causes 10 billion gallons of untreated sewage overflow each year. In the recent years, 40% of US sewer systems in the reported overflow-related violations of the Clean Water Act, sickening 20 million people each year and resulting in millions of dollars of damages to property water sources. At the treatment plant, sewer grease costs utilities millions in operations, energy demand, and infrastructure wear and tear. Wastewater treatment plants nationwide already spend millions annually to treat wastewater; over the next 14 years it is estimated that $202 billion must be invested in public wastewater facilities to continue operations. The presence of FOG in wastewater complicates the treatment process and adds additional costs and energy demands.

Conversion to biodiesel offers the highest and best use for this material, changing economics and awareness in a way that directs more grease through the proper disposal channels to produce a low-carbon renewable energy asset.