Background to the creation of the Fat Trap
The Fat Trap was developed by the Less Mess Limited company in 2003 after a cooking accident.
The following from the Less Mess website describes what happened:
We came up with the idea for the Fat Trap when we had a mishap at home.
After cooking Bolognaise for the family meal I drained the fat from the mince into the sink. The sink then blocked up with the fat.
We called a plumber who came out and unblocked the sink at a cost of £85.00 ………
We looked on the Internet about blocked drains and the problems it can cause to internal waste systems in the home and the sewers.
After finding that this issue was very widespread and caused many problems all over the country we contacted some of the water companies for their view on the problems.
After much investigation we found as well as causing nasty blockages that are costly and difficult to unblock, these blockages can cause the sewerage to overflow into rivers, streams and even domestic dwellings. In the event of a Bio Disc or Septic tank, oil and grease can suffocate the workings leading to major problems within these systems.
The water companies were very helpful and after many meetings with them, the Fat Trap was launched, firstly along with Yorkshire Water then followed by Northumbrian Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water and Anglian Water. South West Water, Thames Water and Welsh Water were set to follow.
Pouring FOG into a Fat Trap.
Many people that dispose of such waste in this way are just not aware of the problems they may cause to the environment, the main sewerage system or their own treatment package plant / septic tank.
We then went on to think more about the problem, and created a product that would make the disposal of such waste clean convenient and easy to use. The Fat Trap!
The Fat Trap was used as a Public Relations tool, as a vehicle for a campaign that would raise awareness of all sewer-wise issues and provide a consumer-friendly alternative to pouring such waste down the sink."
Tina Pearce
Tina Pearce and her husband Jamie developed the product, working with the water companies, until it was suitable for the water companies to buy it. Tina continues to run Less Mess and Jamie has returned to his builder's business.