Whether your business involves ball games, crowds, or both, chances are you’re going to have to buy more than just cracker jacks: you’re going to have to make sure that your food venues that produce wastewater meet the requirements of your municipality and county. For most places in the US (and almost everywhere in New England), this means having grease traps installed. This blog is designed to go over the requirements of grease traps for entertainment or sport venues where food vendors operate under special circumstances.
What Type of Facilities Need Grease Traps?
Depending on your venue, you may have full restaurants, small food kiosks, or a combination of the two. If they produce FOGS (Fats, Oils, Grease, Solids) and dispose of it through wastewater, a grease trap will need to be installed, sized depending on the need. The size and type of food facility will impact the amount of grease they produce. Work with the facilities owner to work out the factors and amount of grease they need to plan for. There are several setups for grease traps to keep in mind:
- Individual Grease Traps: Small grease traps that can be individually serviced and maintained by the individual business. This allows businesses to self-manage and cover costs.
- Communal Grease Traps: If you have many smaller venues, it might make more sense to have a shared grease trap that the venue charges to maintain. This will also increase the square-footage of individual spaces with the need to have individual grease traps.
- Grey Water Tanks: For very small operations where the food facility produces almost no grease and wastewater, a grey water tank may work, similar to that on a food truck.
Who Pays For and Maintains Grease Traps?
If you’re not interested in providing the service for your vendors, whose responsibility is it to have the grease trap installed and maintained? If you’re leasing the property to the various food facilities within, it will depend on the type of lease:
- Net Lease: If you’re renting space under a net lease, you can include operations expenses, maintenance, and repair for the tenant to pay. This can include grease trap installation and pay, but you need to make it clear that grease trap installation and maintenance are key.
- Gross Lease: If you have a communal grease trap for multiple rented spaces, a gross lease might make more sense so you can charge them for the costs of maintaining and servicing the trap.
How Often Should Grease Traps Be Cleaned?
Grease trap maintenance and servicing is key. Without proper care, a grease trap can impact your entire venue and get you in hot water with your municipality. Grease traps that aren’t service can damage infrastructure – including your own. Grease traps should be tested regularly and use the 1/4th rule. Work with your grease trap service company to work out a schedule, and if you’re looking at a big venue or sporting event make sure to plan for that as well.
Need more information? It’s time to contact the Food Grease Trappers. We service much of New England and specialize in commercial grease trap servicing, including the intricacies of entertainment and sporting venues. 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.
