Local Fast-Food Worker Cited for Pouring Grease Into Storm Drain

 A Burger King employee was caught on video dumping several gallons of used cooking grease into a storm sewer that drains into Paddy Hill Creek. A witness, Doug Bates, saw two employees carry grease pans outside and pour them directly into the drain, capturing the incident on his phone and later documenting the greasy residue.  

This kind of disposal is illegal. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says grease dumped into sewers can form “fatbergs,” which clog systems, damage infrastructure, and harm waterways and wildlife. Even a few gallons can pose environmental risks.  

The restaurant is operated by JSC Management, which stated the employee’s actions violated company policy. The employee has since been disciplined, retrained, and procedures were reinforced. The franchise owner also noted that proper grease disposal equipment (a holding tank) was available but not used. 

The DEC issued violations to the employee for unlawful disposal of harmful substances into a public stream and actions potentially injurious to fish.

Burger King employee caught in photos pouring gallons of grease into Greece storm sewer that runs into creek – WHEC.com