Families are being urged not to pour turkey fat down the sink this Christmas – or risk flooding their homes.

Families are advised to dispose of cooking fats, oils and greases responsibly to avoid blocked pipes, property damage and harm to the environment.

Fats, oils and greases poured down the sink or drain harden in cold pipes.

They combine with wet wipes and other unflushable items to create ‘fatbergs’ which block sewer pipes, leading to sewage flooding homes and streets, and pollution in waterways. They can also block pipes in homes.

Tips on how to responsibly dispose of fats, oils and grease include:

– Allow them to cool and wipe away with kitchen towel and place in the bin.

– Cooled oils can be poured into a heatproof container, then placed in the bin.

– Pour into a pot and use again to cook another meal.

– Use a sink strainer to catch greasy food scraps.