Grease traps serve a critical role in your county’s infrastructure, by removing grease and other oils from your sinks and drains before it hits the public sewer systems and ultimately the wastewater treatment plants. Because of this, businesses and facilities that produce this kind of grease waste need to be regulated, and part of that is mandated grease traps. If you’re not sure if your business meets these requirements, review the blog below as the first step to getting some answers.
Grease Trap: Two Questions to Ask
Grease traps are designed to prevent what is known as FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) from entering the sewer system, where it will bind to pipes and other solids to cause obstructions and damage to treatment plants. Answer these questions to see if you might need one.
- Does My Business Create Grease or Oil? If your business produces FOG from food waste from manufacturing, processing, cooking, or serving, you may need a grease trap.
- Does My Business Dispose of This Waste Through the Sewer? If you discharge the produced grease, fat, and oils by washing it down the pipes, you may need a grease trap.
Depending on your region and regulations, you may be legally required to have one to operate your business. See below for more information on area requirements.
Examples of Businesses and Facilities
Still not sure, or thinking about starting up, moving, expanding, or buying an existing business? Below is a list of common businesses and facilities (including government facilities) that normally require grease traps to run. Note this list is not comprehensive.
- Restaurants: Fast Food, Full Service, Cafes, Food Courts, Delicatessens, Concession Stands
- Hospitality: Hotels, Casinos, Bars, Sports Arenas, Theatres, Convention Centers
- Facilities: School Cafeterias, Correctional Facilities, Airports, Hospital Cafeterias
- Commercial: Grocery Stores, Convenience Stores, Business Cafeterias, Coffeehouses, Bakeries
Requirements May Differ in Your Area
While usually there are some federal laws outlining the management of wastewater from commercial property, how this is regulated and enforced is generally done at the state and county level. Many laws and requirements are being put into effect in recent years as city centers struggle with the buildup of FOGS (Fat, Oil, Grease, and Solids) clogging pipes and treatment plants, forms fatbergs, and strains city-restaurant relations as the city spends more manpower clearing blockages and treatment stations from restaurant discharge.
Further Reading on Grease Traps
Want some more information on grease traps and how they apply to your business? Check out some of our related articles:
- Do I Need a Grease Trap If My Restaurant Doesn’t Use Oil?
- Restaurant Inspections: Grease Trap Requirements
- What Happens When You Don’t Have a Grease Trap
Need more information? It’s time to contact the Food Grease Trappers. We service much of New England and can help you understand the requirements of your local laws when it comes to grease management and make sure you’ve got the right equipment to handle it. Contact Food Grease Trappers today. We can inspect your issue with a free consultation, as well as advise you on a new grease trap from our vendor connections.
