Food Service Establishment Laws on Grease Traps

• Food service establishments use grease traps to keep waste out of sewer systems.frittura image by Eagle from Fotolia.com
  
  Grease traps are used in food service establishments to ensure that grease is not entering into the underground sewer system where the establishment is located. This could cause blockage in the sewer system which could allow sewer water to backup into the establishment. Laws governing grease traps vary from state to state but most local governments have guidelines regarding grease disposal, grease trap cleaning and maintenance, size of grease traps, and the amount of grease allowed into the waste water system.
  
  

Disposal of Waste

• Local governments require grease traps to prevent fats, oils, and greases from entering the local waste water system. Most local governments have regulations regarding how much waste may escape into the water system, and fines can be given if this amount is exceeded. Depending on the location of the food service establishment, disposing of waste can be done in a number of ways. Solids may be disposed of in normal trash receptacles, while liquids may need to be disposed of by a grease trap removal and disposal company.
  
  

Cleaning

• Some local governments have laws stating how often a grease trap needs to be cleaned out, so check with the local regulatory agency in the area to find out if there are any such regulations. If this is the case, the grease trap would need to be pumped out completely. If no such law exists in the municipality where the establishment is located, grease traps can be cleaned by physically emptying the container with shovels and vacuums. Solids may be thrown in the garbage, so kitty litter may be used to absorb any remaining liquids in the trap. A larger grease trap may require a professional in order for it to be entirely emptied. Products containing bacteria that eats grease may be bought and put into the grease trap to keep the levels lower on a regular basis.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Selecting the correct size of a grease trap is done by calculating the gallons per minute (GPM) rate of a sink. Size laws vary, so it is recommended to check with the local regulatory agency in the area where the food establishment is located before purchasing and installing a grease trap. Grease traps can be purchased from restaurant supply companies, plumbing supply companies, and some grease trap cleaning and disposal companies. A maintenance log recording the cleaning and maintenance of the grease trap can be helpful if there are any problems with the local regulatory agency.