Grease Trap Requirements

As of a July 19, 2006 amendment to Ordinance #387, the use of manhole style grease interceptors has been disallowed in new restaurants. A large vault style interceptor is the minimum District standard.

Grease Trap Specifications

Anyone involved in the remodeling or construction of a restaurant of any size should contact Mark Eddington, P.E., District Manager at the DeKalb Sanitary District for an appointment to discuss grease trap specifications. Call 815 758-3513 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Restaurant Grease Trap Inspections

Preventing Problems for Nearby Homes and Businesses

Every year District staff receives and responds to calls regarding sewer blockages caused by the discharge of F.O.G. (fats, oils and grease) from food establishments.

Saving Big Money

The facility responsible for such blockages is liable for the costs to clean and clear the sewer line and possibly for any costs for damage done to adjoining properties, as well as for fines up to $1000.00 per day for violation of local ordinances.

Preventing Denial of Service

Regulations may also require the installation of a larger, more efficient grease trap. It is even possible that the offender might be disconnected from sewer service to halt or prevent a discharge that presents an imminent endangerment to the health or welfare of the population.

Ways for Restaurants to Avoid Fines

Never pour used grease, fats and oils down the sink drain. Adding hot water, detergent, or even commercial degreasers* does not help. Grease that is liquefied will still become solid again when it enters the public system.

*The use of additives (chemical or biological) or hot water to emulsify grease and allow it to pass through a grease trap circumvents the purpose of the trap and is therefore not acceptable.

It is highly recommended that an external storage bin be used to collect fats, oils and grease generated in the preparation of food. This grease can then be hauled away by a scavenger company for proper disposal. F.O.G. should be deposited in these grease bins and not dumped down a sanitary sewer where it will congeal and plug up the sewer line.

Inspection Programs

DeKalb Sanitary District staff make unscheduled random visits to food service license holders to:

  • Verify that the maintenance and frequency of grease removal from the restaurant's grease trap is appropriate. The grease trap must be cleaned and the grease removed on a schedule that will prevent grease from passing through the trap system and entering the public sewer system.
  • Verify that the grease trap is in sound operating condition. Check for deterioration and possible need for replacement.
  • Verify that grease trap "additives" are not being used.

Existing Establishments

While existing retaurants and food service establishments are allowed to use interior or the smaller type of exterior grease trap that was legal at the time of their construction as long as they do not contribute grease to the sanitary sewer lines, it is recommended that they "upgrade" to the current specifications. Problems with grease clogging sewer lines in their vicinity or discovery, upon inspection, of improperly maintained grease traps will result in a mandate to install the required type.

If you have any questions regarding these very important issues, please call the DeKalb Sanitary District at 815 758-3513.

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