With the holidays upon us, regional water quality experts want Bay Area residents to be on the alert for fat. Not the kind that expands the waistline, but the kind that can block a sewer line.

Wastewater experts caution against putting fats, oil, or grease down the sink or garbage disposal because it solidifies and builds up in pipes. The excess can cause messy clogs in drains at homes or restaurants.

Greasy buildup can also block sanitary sewer lines and result in overflows into homes, and onto streets. Street overflows can then drain untreated into creeks and the Bay and threaten wildlife. Cleanups are expensive, unpleasant, and inconvenient to entire neighborhoods.

X Don¡¦t put fats, oil, grease, dairy products, or greasy foods down the drain or garbage disposal.

X Dispose of fats, oil, and grease in a sealed container in your garbage.

X Use food strainers in kitchen sinks to catch food particles, and scrape leftover food waste into the garbage or compost container.

X Recycle large quantities of fats and cooking oil at your local recycling center. The Palo Alto Recycling Center, at the east end of Embarcadero Road, is open 8 am ¡V 5 pm daily except major holidays.