Procedures for Cleaning Grease Traps

A cleaning company, licensed to do business in the City of Auburn, may be employed to pump out the trap.

Self-cleaning of grease traps (never interceptors) is allowed when the steps listed below are followed:

1. Whenever grease traps are inspected or cleaned seams of pipes shall be checked, and the baffles and flow regulating devices checked for effective operation.
2. Grease traps and their baffles shall be kept free of all caked-on FOG and food waste.
3. FOG and food waste dislodged during cleaning shall be removed from the grease trap.
4. Oil and grease shall be skimmed from the surface of the water and placed in a watertight container.
5. Solids shall be removed from the bottom of the grease trap and placed in a watertight container. A small strainer on a handle can be used for this task.
6. Dispose of grease trap waste by either:
   • Contracting with a licensed cleaning company to pick up the collected waste; or,
   • Absorb all free liquid with a dry absorbent and dispose as solid waste.
7. Record the date of cleaning and amount of material removed in grease retention device maintenance log.

It is a violation to discharge any waste, including FOG and solid material, removed from the grease trap to any drainage piping connected to the sanitary sewer or the storm drainage system.

Procedures for Cleaning Grease Interceptors

1. Grease interceptors shall be maintained in efficient operating condition by periodic removal of accumulated grease including floatable materials, settled solids, and cleaning the baffles and walls. It is recommended that the entire contents of the interceptor be removed.
2. Maintenance shall be conducted only by waste haulers certified to remove FOG, solids, and water, and to properly dispose of the material in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws.
3. Cleaning frequency should be such that the combined FOG and solids accumulation does not exceed 25% of the total liquid depth in any chamber of the grease interceptor. A grease interceptor shall be cleaned a minimum of four (4) times a year.