For restaurant owners in Northwest Florida, proper grease trap maintenance isn't just good business—it's the law. With strict F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease) regulations and hefty fines for non-compliance, understanding your grease trap system is essential for protecting your business and the environment.
Cost of Non-Compliance
- • First violation: $500-$1,000 fine
- • Repeat violations: Up to $5,000 per day
- • Sewer blockage liability: $10,000-$50,000+
- • Business closure risk for severe violations
Understanding F.O.G. Regulations in Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and local municipalities enforce strict F.O.G. regulations to prevent sewer blockages and protect water treatment facilities. Each county in Northwest Florida has specific requirements, but all follow state guidelines.
Local Requirements by Area
Okaloosa County (Destin, Fort Walton Beach)
- • Pumping required every 90 days minimum
- • Manifest documentation required
- • Annual inspections mandatory
- • 25% rule enforcement
Bay County (Panama City, PCB)
- • Monthly pumping for high-volume
- • Grease interceptor requirements
- • Electronic reporting system
- • Surprise inspections common
Grease Trap vs. Grease Interceptor
Grease Trap
- • Capacity: 20-50 gallons
- • Location: Under sink/inside
- • Best for: Small restaurants, delis
- • Cleaning: Weekly to monthly
- • Cost: $75-$175 per cleaning
Grease Interceptor
- • Capacity: 500-3,000+ gallons
- • Location: Outside underground
- • Best for: Full-service restaurants
- • Pumping: Monthly to quarterly
- • Cost: $200-$800 per pumping
Pumping Schedule Guidelines
The 25% Rule
Grease traps must be pumped when the combined F.O.G. and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity. This is the legal standard in Florida.
| Restaurant Type | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fast Food/High Volume | Every 2-4 weeks |
| Full-Service Restaurant | Every 4-6 weeks |
| Casual Dining | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Coffee Shop/Bakery | Every 8-12 weeks |
| Bar/Limited Kitchen | Every 12-16 weeks |
Best Practices for Grease Management
Kitchen Staff Training
- Scrape plates and cookware before washing
- Use strainers in all sink drains
- Never pour grease down drains
- Collect waste oil in designated containers
- Clean grease trap baffles weekly
Maintenance Between Pumpings
- • Run hot water through system at closing
- • Use enzyme/bacteria additives (approved types only)
- • Check and clean inlet/outlet tees
- • Monitor grease accumulation weekly
- • Keep detailed maintenance logs
Signs You Need Immediate Pumping
- • Slow draining sinks
- • Foul odors from drains
- • Grease backup in sinks
- • Water pooling in floor drains
- • Gurgling sounds from pipes
- • Grease visible in trap inspection
Documentation & Compliance
Required Records (Keep 3 Years)
- Pumping Manifests:Date, volume removed, hauler info, disposal location
- Inspection Reports:Annual inspections, condition assessments
- Maintenance Logs:Daily/weekly cleaning, enzyme treatments
- Training Records:Staff F.O.G. training documentation
Cost-Saving Strategies
Reduce Pumping Frequency
- ✓ Install larger interceptor
- ✓ Improve staff training
- ✓ Use grease recovery devices
- ✓ Implement dry cleanup methods
Contract Advantages
- ✓ Scheduled service discounts
- ✓ Priority emergency response
- ✓ Automatic compliance tracking
- ✓ Bundled service savings
Environmental Impact
Proper grease management protects our beautiful Northwest Florida waterways. One restaurant's grease blockage can cause sewage overflows affecting entire neighborhoods and contaminating beaches, bays, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Grease Recycling Options
Used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel. We partner with local recycling facilities to ensure your waste grease is converted into renewable energy.
- • Free oil collection containers available
- • Scheduled pickup service
- • Recycling documentation provided
- • Potential rebate programs
Professional Grease Trap Service
Stay compliant and avoid costly fines with our commercial pumping services
