GOOD TO KNOW
There are three types of grease control devices typically used at food service establishments.
- Hydromechanical Grease Interceptors also known as grease traps are typically small and located indoors under the sink. These are designed for separating and retaining the FOG and settled solids while allowing water to continue to flow at a designated flow rate into the sanitary sewer using gravity.
- The Gravity Grease Interceptor is usually larger and located outside underground. Like the grease trap, interceptors are designed to separate and retain FOG and solids while allowing the remaining wastewater to be discharged to the sanitary sewer.
- A Grease Removal Device is a type of Hydromechanical Grease Interceptor that has an active, automatic device that separates and removes FOG from the waste stream and cleans itself of FOG periodically by electromechanical means.
GOOD TO DO
Compliance
- If you contract with a company for maintenance of your grease trap or grease interceptor, ensure they are certified through the HR FOG certification program.
- Keep records on-site of grease control equipment pumping/cleaning and maintenance to provide to inspectors. Download sample maintenance logs and other resources from HRFOG.com.
- Food service establishments should always follow proper grease-handling protocols.
Installation & Maintenance
- Install properly-sized grease control equipment. For a guide to sizing, download the Hampton Roads Regional Technical Standards for the Sizing of Grease Control Devices.
- Maintain (routinely clean or pump out) grease control equipment. Check the interceptor regularly to make sure it is less than 25% full of grease and settled solids, contains outlet Ts, and the structure is in good operating condition.