Council adopts ordinance regulating disposal of fats, oils and grease with emergency clause

Stilwell City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 436, which establishes rules for the disposal and reclamation of fats, oils and grease and authorizes the city to require grease traps and recover cleanup costs from responsible businesses.

Speakers said the ordinance mirrors practices used by other communities and will give public-works staff the enforcement authority they need to address grease-related blockages. The ordinance was presented with supporting input from local public-works staff and recycling vendors. Council moved to adopt the ordinance; the motion passed unanimously. The council also approved an emergency clause so the ordinance would take effect immediately upon passage.

Council members said the ordinance is intended to reduce costly cleanups of lines and to give the city recourse to bill responsible parties; staff and a council member noted previous incidents where grease contributed to blockages. The council did not discuss a phased compliance timetable at the meeting.