Businesses with grease traps that aren’t cleaned at the frequency required by local ordinances and those that violate maximum FOG limits can run afoul of Atlanta grease trap inspectors and incur expensive fines and substantial penalties that could drastically impact their daily operations.

The team at Southern Green Industries will handle every aspect of grease trap cleaning – from pumping and cleaning your grease trap to submitting the necessary manifests to inspectors on your behalf.

What Is the 25 Percent Rule?

Grease traps must be cleaned when the floating grease layer in combination with the settled solids at the bottom equals 25 percent of the trap’s total liquid depth. More specifically, the accumulated grease should not exceed 20 percent, and the FOGs at the bottom should not exceed five percent. For example, if your grease trap has a depth of four feet, it should be emptied prior to the FOG exceeding one combined foot of depth.

If your business is subjected to a surprise inspection by the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management when your grease trap is in violation of the 25 percent rule, you may face fines and other potential penalties.

Hiring a professional grease trap maintenance service who can help you keep track of your grease trap contents can ensure timely cleanings that protect your business from violating the 25 percent rule.

What Are the Maintenance Requirements for Grease Trap in Georgia?

Regular Pumping and Cleaning

Typically, outdoor grease traps must be pumped out at least every 90 days, or possibly more frequently to maintain compliance with the 25 percent rule. Indoor grease traps require more frequent cleaning due to their much smaller capacity. They must be cleaned every 14 days to eliminate the risk of grease spillage, which can lead to slip and fall accidents and other hazards.

Permits and Inspections

Commercial kitchens must obtain a permit for grease trap disposal. Their application may include the size and planned location of your grease trap so officials can gauge whether it is appropriately sized, ensuring businesses have a grease trap or interceptor solution that can handle their projected levels of FOG generation. After receiving a permit, businesses will also require inspections to verify that the grease trap is being properly maintained and is continuing to meet local standards.

Those transporting grease for disposal as well as waste oil for recycling also need to be verified by the state and must have a registration number and FOG permit before they’re allowed to transport. It’s important to have a licensed and approved local provider to ensure the cleaning and manifests meet the local regulatory criteria for grease trap cleaning and transporting services.

Businesses can trust that the seasoned crew at Southern Green Industries is registered and trusted to provide responsible FOG disposal services.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Businesses can reduce the rate of FOG buildup in their grease traps by adopting practices to minimize FOG in their wastewater, including using strainers in the sink and providing comprehensive staff training on grease and food waste disposal. Commercial kitchens can reduce their risk of violations by hiring a reputable grease trap and fryer oil recycling service to take the stress of responsible waste oil and FOG disposal off their plates.

Types of Grease Trap Violations

• Failing to install a grease trap or installing one correctly
• Neglecting to schedule regular maintenance
• Failing to address grease trap damage, leaks and other malfunctions
• Attempting to use chemicals, bacteria or enzymes as an alternative to regular cleaning
• Ignoring orders and recommendations given during inspections
• Allowing the transport of waste to an unpermitted facility
• Processing waste without a permit or manifest
• Destroying, altering or hiding waste
• Disposing waste in violation of state regulations, allowing it to enter the sewer system unfiltered
• Failing to file required records or making false statements on records to appear compliant

Consequences of a Grease Trap Violation

Businesses found to be transporting, disposing of or treating waste without a valid manifest can be fined up to $50,000 for every day they’re found in violation. Responsible parties can even be imprisoned for a maximum of three years for some violations, with repeat offenders running the risk of even higher fines and prison sentences.

Food service businesses that fail to meet grease trap capacity, cleaning or maintenance requirements also run the risk of facing serious penalties, which can range from fines to having their business closed.

Businesses that work with Southern Green Industries – whether on a one-off basis or contractual partnership – don’t have to worry about accidentally running afoul of the state because we go above and beyond to ensure their FOG and waste fryer oil are disposed of and properly treated thoroughly at our wastewater treatment plant and oil recycling facilities.

We’ve Been Providing Commercial Grease Trap Cleaning and Fryer Oil Recycling Services for Atlanta Businesses for Over 15 Years

Overflowing grease traps can cost you in more ways than one. At Southern Green Industries, we have the experience and equipment to provide reliable and efficient commercial services that will save you time, money and stress.

Get a free quote for commercial services today by calling us at (404) 419-6887.