Here's what the City of Shreveport wants to remind citizens of this holiday season

Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times
·2 min read

Thanksgiving is a week away, and the City of Shreveport has a few housekeeping announcements for the holiday.

On Wednesday, the Department of Water and Sewerage released a statement reminding residents to be mindful of what they pour down their drains.

"The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it's also a time when we generate a lot of grease from cooking," said William Daniel, Director of Water and Sewerage for the City of Shreveport. "We urge everyone to be mindful of how they dispose of fats, oils and grease to prevent clogged drains and protect our community's water infrastructure."

According to the department, improper disposal of grease and fats can lead to clogged pipes, sewer backups and environmental pollution.

Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain During the Holiday Season.
Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain During the Holiday Season.

More: What stores are open on Thanksgiving in Shreveport, Bossier?

To help residents prevent these issues, the Department of Water and Sewerage recommends these following tips:

  • Collect Grease in a Container: Instead of pouring hot grease down the drain, let it cool and pour it into a heat-resistant container. Once the grease solidifies, dispose of it in the trash.

  • Use Sink Strainers: Place sink strainers in kitchen sinks to catch food scraps and other solids. Empty the strainers into the compost or trash bin instead of washing them down the sink.

  • Scrape Dishes Before Washing: Scrape leftover food from dishes and utensils into the compost or trash before washing them. This reduces the amount of food particles that can go down the drain.

  • Avoid Using the Garbage Disposal: Garbage disposals don't prevent fat, oils and grease from entering the pipes. Instead, compost food scraps or dispose of them in the trash.

  • Spread the Word: Educate family, friends, and neighbors about the importance of proper fat, oils and grease disposal. Please encourage them to adopt these simple practices to clear the city's pipes and waterways.

Garbage bins line a curb near Shreveport's South Highland neighborhood on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.
Garbage bins line a curb near Shreveport's South Highland neighborhood on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

The City of Shreveport would also like to remind residence garbage pickup will not occur on Thursday, Nov. 23, in observance of Thanksgiving.

Bulk collection will also not occur during the week of Nov. 20. Residents are advised to contact the Solid Waste Office at 318- 673-6300 to schedule an appointment.

Read: How to pick the perfect Thanksgiving turkey

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter for The Shreveport Times. You can contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: The City of Shreveport wants to remind citizens of these tips this Thanksgiving