Show All Answers

1. What is an external grease interceptor?

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.

2. Why do I need an external grease interceptor?

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.

3. What businesses need an external grease interceptor?

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

4. Do I still need one if I don't serve fried food?

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

5. Do I need a grease interceptor if I don't put grease down the drain??

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.

6. Can't I just add hot soapy water to the grease and pour it down the drain?

Nope. Pouring liquid grease down a drain with hot soapy water does not prevent fats, oils, and grease (FOG) nor does it eliminate the need for a grease interceptor. 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.

7. Who do I contact for more information?

Grease interceptor design and installation specifications are available from the Utility Engineering Division at 321-567-3859. Designs must be approved by the city prior to construction and/or installation.

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