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FOG Vendor Pilot Program

The Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Street Vendor Pilot Program is a collaborative effort by Council District 1 and LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) to encourage street vendors in the El Salvador Corridor along Vermont Avenue, from Olympic to Pico, to properly dispose of FOG and other wastes associated with vending activities. The pilot program includes providing an outreach/education program to the vendors, as well as installing and servicing FOG disposal containers and trash bins. The program provides vendors a free, safe, and convenient method to dispose of FOG, allowing them to help keep City infrastructure operational and the environment safe.

Program Description

The program is designed to support the vendors while also protecting the health of Angelenos and the environment through the safeguarding of the City’s storm drains and supporting infrastructure. Improper disposal of cooking oil can have serious consequences for our city's sewer systems, our environment, and public health.

The program will support current and projected increased community use. The installation and service of heavy-duty containers for the collection of cooking oils will help protect vendors, customers, area businesses and residents, as well as our local waters from the threat of pathogens, sediments, and trash.

Project Goals and Benefits

Some street vendors are washing off trash, oil and debris into the storm drains, which causes high bacteria levels and has become a public health concern. The installation and service of heavy-duty containers for the collection of cooking oils will help to prevent:

• The spread of E. coli and associated pathogens
• Harm to aquatic plants and animals that live in our local streams and the ocean
• Clogged storm drain systems, which can cause localized flooding which could result in sudden shifts in traffic patterns, causing accidents, property damage, as well as result in expensive repairs to the storm drain system
• Interruption of vendors’ operations due to maintenance and repair of pipes and drains help eliminate future repairs