Unitywater is urging residents to dispose of festive food scraps responsibly, warning that fats, oils and seafood waste can cause costly wastewater blockages and overflows on private properties.
The call comes after 52 wastewater blockages were attributed to fat build-up during the 2024–25 financial year across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay – an average of one blockage every week.
Unitywater executive manager customer delivery Rhett Duncan said many of the incidents were preventable.
“That’s one blockage every week which could be easily avoided by not putting the wrong things down the sink,” he said.
“When it comes to cleaning up your festive cooking, leftover fats and oils belong in the bin. If you pour them down the sink, they can congeal in your pipes, creating what are known as ‘fatbergs’ that can cause unpleasant and expensive blockages and overflows.”
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Mr Duncan also warned against flushing seafood waste, including prawn shells, down the toilet during the holiday season.
“Additionally, we know some people might be tempted to flush their prawn shells down the toilet, but these should also go in the bin,” he said.
“To avoid them becoming extra smelly we suggest freezing them and waiting to dispose of them on your rubbish collection day.”
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In response to increased demand over the holiday period, Unitywater has 20 crews managing water and wastewater networks, including six infrastructure operators available each day to respond to issues across the region.
“Although many families will be taking a break over the holiday period, as an essential services provider, our teams will continue working 24/7 so we can provide the community with safe and reliable services,” Mr Duncan said.
He said Unitywater’s contact centre would remain open on regular business days and close on public holidays.
“Of course, our teams are available for any urgent water or wastewater issues, and we encourage customers to phone us at 1300 086 489 at any time of day or night so we can assist quickly,” Mr Duncan said.
For non-urgent issues, customers are encouraged to lodge reports through Unitywater’s website.
