ATHENS, AL (WAFF) -
The City of Athens' new FOG program is designed to collect fats, oils and grease from residents then convert the materials into fuel for local farmer Harold Sweeney.
Sweeney said it will allow him to use more of the cheaper, converted fuel in his farm equipment.
"It's better for our air. It runs cleaner. I like it better than the regular diesel," Sweeney said.
The program was launched at a press conference with officials with Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful.
"We just need to do the right thing. It's important for our environment. Do it because there are financial savings for the community and the individual," said K.A.L.B. Executive Coordinator Lynne Hart.
Officials said money would be saved by the city and by residents by not having to fix as many drains and public sewers clogged by food waste.
"We spend tens of thousands of dollars every year of customers' money chasing oil and grease down the sewer," said Athens Water Services Director John Stockton.
There are three locations where residents can pick up containers, and where they can drop them off when filled. There are unlocked cages with the containers at the Keep Athens Limestone Beautiful building, at the Athens Limestone Recycling Center, and at the Athens Utilities building. Officials said they will provide more sites when the program grows.
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The City of Athens' new FOG program is designed to collect fats, oils and grease from residents.
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