Frequently Asked Questions

An external grease interceptor is an outside, underground, multi-compartment tank. It separates fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater and stores it for later disposal.

You need an external grease interceptor to prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from building up in and blocking sewer lines causing raw sewage backups. Sewage backups damage property, harm the environment, stop your business from operating, and affect our wastewater treatment process.

Any establishment that prepares or serves food must have an external grease interceptor, including:

• Bakeries
• Church kitchens
• Convenience stores
• Day care centers
• Delis
• Grocery stores
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Ice cream shops
• Nightclubs
• Restaurants
• Senior centers

Yes. Just because you do not fry foods does not mean you are not sending fats, oils, and grease (FOG) down the drain. FOG is created from all kinds of foodstuffs that are both animal and vegetable based, including: 

• Butter
• Dairy products
• Food scraps
• Frosting
• Gravy
• Ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Salad dressing

Even if you don’t put food and condiments directly down the drain, the oils and grease from them ends up in wastewater from washing dishes, cleaning food prep and cooking equipment, and washing floors.

No. Pouring liquid grease down a drain with hot soapy water does not prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from forming, nor does it eliminate the need for a grease interceptor. Eventually, the grease will cool and harden causing blockages and overflows. Enzymes, chemicals, or other products designed to emulsify or liquefy grease are not acceptable substitutes for a grease interceptor. Garbage disposals are not acceptable substitutes, as they do not remove grease.

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For grease interceptor maintenance, inspection, and record-keeping requirements contact Laboratory Services at 321-567-3892.

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