FOG Reduction – Restaurants & Businesses

Restaurants and businesses play a significant role in reducing FOG in Lawrence’s collection system. All food preparation establishments must meet the requirements of the City’s sewer use ordinance. Some of these include daycares, assisted living facilities, schools, hotels, hospitals, even the jail – any place that processes food, operates a commercial kitchen or sells food.

Food Service Establishments must install appropriate size grease interceptors before they can connect to the collection system and are responsible for ensuring the grease abatement equipment is maintained and functional. Discharge of grease and other viscous substances that can disrupt sewer flow are prohibited in the City of Lawrence Code (PDF) Sewer Use Regulations.

New installations of grease control equipment must meet the requirements of the 2018 International Plumbing Code and the amendments in the City of Lawrence Code, Chapter 5, Article 5 (PDF).  Automatic Grease Removal Devices (AGRD) use a mechanical or hydraulic method to remove grease from the separation unit for proper disposal.  Some examples can be found on the Plumbing and Drainage Institute website.

City of Lawrence Inspections for Sewer Use Code Compliance

The City of Lawrence will begin routine inspections of food service facilities for sewer use code compliance soon.  These inspections will involve discussion of grease management practices, including dishwashing and grease interceptor maintenance and cleaning.  Cleaning and maintenance records may be requested during inspections.

The goal of initial inspections is to gather data on current practices and provide education on code requirements associated with grease management.

Food Service Facility Responsibilities

(City Code Chapter 19 and Chapter 9)

  • Install grease interceptor equipment to prevent discharge of grease and other pollutants. City Code (19-613 (c))
    • Ensure the grease interceptor you have is covering all of the drains that are used for dishwashing and cleaning in your facility.
  • Determine a grease interceptor cleaning schedule according to manufacturer methods and keep the determination records on file.  (19-613 (c) (1))  — Grease Interceptor Maintenance Frequency (PDF)
    • Grease interceptors only function correctly if they are cleaned according to manufacturer specifications.
    • If manufacturer does not provide instructions on determining a schedule follow the 25% rule.  Interceptor needs cleaned when 25% of a vertical core sample is occupied by solids and grease layers.
  • Maintain and clean grease interceptor according to manufacturer specifications, or in a way to prevent discharge of fats, oils and grease to the sewer collection system. City Code (19-613 (c) (1))
    • Grease discharged in amounts that accumulate in the public sewer are prohibited in City code.
    • Best management practices can greatly reduce the rate of accumulation of fats oil and grease and food scraps in your grease interceptor.  Best Management Practices – Fats, Oils, and Grease (PDF)
  • Keep records of cleaning and maintenance for 3 years and available for inspection by City Staff. City Code (19-613 (c) (1))
    • For self-cleaning include date, person doing cleaning, disposal location of grease, note repair/replace any interceptor defects.
    • Records should include date of service, name of service provider, quantity of liquid removed, equipment condition notes and final disposal location.
  • Additives to grease interceptors that cause emulsification and pass-through of grease are prohibited. (19-613 (c) (2))
    • Degreasers and enzymes are not allowed, as they emulsify and move the grease further down the line where it then accumulates.
  • Keep outdoor grease storage containers clean and clean any spills of oil and grease up immediately. (9-205 (a)(b)) – Grease Storage Bin Requirements (PDF)
    • Any amount of spilled grease tends to spread to a large area, this is detrimental to the environment as it ends up in streams and the river.  Grease from spills attracts pests, gets tracked into businesses and vehicles, and is a slip hazard that violates health nuisance code.
  • Prevent grease and other contaminants from being released into the storm drainage system or the sanitary sewer collection system. City Code (9-902 (A) (1)), (19-613 (c) (1)), (19-606 (b)(2), (9-205 (a)(b))
    • Clean up outdoor spills or overflows from grease bins quickly with dry absorbent and then put it in the trash.  Do not power wash grease or equipment outdoors, the wash water can pollute surface water. Wash water should be collected and contained and be routed through the grease interceptor to the sewer for disposal or discharged to a vegetated area on your own property.

Following the Best Management Practices and Tips outlined below can help protect people, property and the environment.

Kitchen Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Food Service Establishments (FSE) should take a proactive approach to FOG reduction in the kitchen.

These Best Management Practices (PDF) help reduce the amount of grease entering the collection system. They help prevent damage to the business as well. Blockages and backups in the kitchen result in costly plumbing repairs that decrease the business’s bottom line. Following good BMPs may also extend the maintenance intervals needed for the grease trap.

Avoid wet clean up – remember the hose is not a broom.

  • Use dry clean up FIRST for equipment, utensils and serving pieces. This can be done with scrapers, squeegees, and absorbents that keep the bulk of food pieces and oil and grease from going down the drain.
  • Install drain screens to catch food particles instead of washing them down the drain.
  • Ban the use of garbage disposals. The drains they are in typically connect directly to the collection system and do not go through the grease trap.
  • Wipe down work areas with paper towels before cleaning.

Pour liquid FOG into a container before washing dishes and throw the container away when it is full. Be sure to keep a lid on it to avoid spills.

  • Collect waste grease from fryers in recycling bins.
  • Empty grill scrap baskets or boxes into a container.
  • Install approved low flow faucet fixtures.
  • Post procedures over sinks to remind employees of FOG reduction techniques.
  • Establish spill prevention and clean up procedures including post-spill, employee training to appropriately implement the procedures, and designating key employees to monitor clean-ups.
  • Schedule cleaning of interceptors and grease traps by a qualified grease hauler.

Examples of Food Service Establishments (FSEs)

  • Restaurants
  • Coffee shops
  • Cafeterias
  • Short order cafes
  • Luncheonettes
  • Taverns
  • Lunchrooms
  • Places manufacturing, wholesaling, or retailing sandwiches, salads, or other fast food
  • Soda fountains
  • Institutions (public or private)
  • Food carts
  • Itinerant restaurants
  • Industrial cafeterias
  • Catering establishments
  • Food vending machines, including vehicles and operations connected to businesses

In December 2021, the Lawrence City Commission approved new requirements for Grease Storage Bins and penalties for violations (Ordinance No. 9887).  This ordinance is intended to protect the environment and reduce nuisance to the public from oil and grease accumulation from storage bins.

Grease Storage Bin Requirements

Grease Storage Bin Requirements (PDF)

  • All grease storage bins must be leak-proof and have a close-fitting lid.
  • Keep lids closed. Only open lid while you are adding grease to the bin.
  • If your bin is shared with other businesses, located in a shared area or public right of way, clearly label bins with business name and address of all contributing businesses.
  • Empty bins when necessary to prevent overflows or spilling. Report leaks to your grease service provider immediately, keep contact information on hand.
  • Clean up all spills on or around the storage bins immediately. Use dry methods first to clean spills. You must prevent any grease or cleaning materials from polluting our surface waters.
  • Keep area around the storage bin clean and free of any waste, including grease, food scraps, absorption materials, buckets, trash, etc.

Penalties for Violations

If your grease bin and grease bin storage area are not maintained, as required, the City will notify you to clean the bin and area within a short time frame. If you do not take corrective action the City will abate the nuisance and recover costs from the grease bin users.

If a spill occurs that is not able to be contained before reaching a stormwater drain, call Municipal Services & Operations Customer Service immediately at 785-832-7800.

Cleaning Spills On and Around Grease Storage Bins

Make spill containment and clean-up kits readily available, so that you can begin cleaning immediately if a spill happens. Immediate cleaning helps prevent pollution.

Step 1: Scrape & Absorb

Use absorbent pads or other materials to clean up grease and oil spills. Free-flowing absorbent materials, such as kitty litter or sawdust, may be used, but must be contained so they don’t become pollution. Clean up all absorption materials as soon as they have absorbed the spill.

Step 2: Dispose of Absorption Materials

Put absorption materials in a leak-proof plastic bag. Securely seal the bag and dispose of it in the trash.

Step 3: Mop & Bucket

Once most of the spill has been absorbed and you have disposed of the absorption materials, use a mop and bucket to clean remaining residue. Once the area is mopped, empty the mop bucket contents into a sink connected to a grease interceptor. Never empty mop buckets outside and never use a hose to rinse spills—this leads to  surface water contamination.

Grease Spill Prevention & Clean-up Plan

Be sure to have contact information for your grease service provider readily available to call for service or in event of a bin leaking.

Your plan should include:

  • Best practices for preventing spills at your business, such as not overfilling containers taken to the bin.
  • Location of your spill containment and cleanup kit and what materials should be in the kit.
  •  Location of storm drains near your business
  • Who to contact if the spill kit is out of a specified cleanup material.

Spill Containment & Clean-up Kits Your kit should be easily accessible and include:

  • Absorbent materials, including absorbent pads, kitty litter and sawdust
  • Leak-proof plastic bags
  • A broom and dustpan or shovel

grease storage bin

Grease Hauler Information

Ace Grease ServicePumps & cleans grease interceptors indoor or outdoor.  Also collects used cooking oil with indoor or outdoor containers available.www.acegrease.comdcates@acegrease.com800-473-2733

Brooks Grease Service
Pumps & cleans grease traps (power-wash interior), pressure jets inlet/outlet lines and recycles used cooking oil.
brooksgreaseservice.com
russell@brooksgreaseservice.com
816-741-3300

Healy Biodiesel, Inc.
Offers used cooking oil and grease trap service. Large selection of new, clean, theft-resistant cooking oil containers provided free of charge to all clients.
healybiodiesel.com
620-545-7800

Honeybee Septic
Small inside, large outside and size 1,000 gallon, 1,250 gallon, 1,500 gallon or larger.
honeybeeseptic.net
honeybeesepticservice@gmail.com
785-841-0399

Honey Wagon
Provides grease trap pumping, as well as the sale of bacteria products for better functioning as needed or desired.
honey-wagonkc.com
karen@honey-wagonkc.com (Administrative Information)
lisa@honey-wagonkc.com (Scheduling, Grease Trap Issues)
913-681-3563

KJett Services
Drain cleaning business specializing in hydro-jetting of sewer/drain lines. Also performs maintenance of grease interceptors.
kjettservices.com
816-769-3900

McElroys Inc.
Grease interceptor cleaning up to 75 gallons with mobile ProVac HEPA filtered machine. Grease interceptor inspection of all sizes by licensed plumbers. Hydrodynamic jetting and cleaning of all grease waste lines. Full-service licensed plumbing and HVAC contractor.
mcelroys.com
website@mcelroys.com
785-266-4870
3310 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66611

Reddi Services
Offers grease interceptor service, plumbing, drain cleaning, excavation, HVAC and waste removal.
reddiservices.com
jmackey@reddiservices.com
913-328-4439

Rooter-Man of Northeast Kansas
Offers grease interceptor service, jetting and other drain cleaning services.
rooterman.com/northeast-kansas/
rooterman.neks@gmail.com
833-470-4376

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