Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning Schedule
Sacramento FOG program compliance guide for commercial kitchens. Find your required cleaning frequency and stay compliant.Sacramento FOG program compliance guide for commercial kitchens. Find your required cleaning frequency and stay compliant.
Restaurant Grease Trap Cleaning Schedule
Sacramento FOG program compliance guide for commercial kitchens. Find your required cleaning frequency and stay compliant.
Sacramento Requirement: 90 Days or 25%
Sacramento County enforces a strict cleaning requirement: grease traps must be cleaned every 90 days OR when FOG reaches 25% of capacity—whichever comes first.
Penalties: $250 - $5,000 per violation
Recommended Cleaning Frequency
← Scroll table left and right to view all columns →
| Trap Type / Size | Kitchen Type | Recommended Frequency | Legal Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Indoor Trap (20-200 lbs capacity) | Light cooking: Coffee shops, bakeries, ice cream shops | Weekly to Monthly | 90 days |
| Medium Indoor Trap (200-500 lbs capacity) | Moderate cooking: Delis, pizza parlors, small restaurants | Bi-weekly to Monthly | 90 days |
| Large Indoor Trap (500-1000 lbs capacity) | Heavy cooking: Full-service restaurants, cafeterias | Monthly | 90 days |
| Small Outdoor Interceptor (750-1500 gallons) | Medium-volume kitchens, multiple restaurants | Monthly to Quarterly | 90 days |
| Large Outdoor Interceptor (1500+ gallons) | High-volume: Large restaurants, hotels, food courts | Quarterly (every 60-90 days) | 90 days |
| High-Volume Fryer Operations (Any size) | Heavy frying: Fast food, fried chicken, donut shops | Weekly to Monthly | 90 days |
Important: Regardless of trap size, Sacramento County requires cleaning before FOG reaches 25% capacity or every 90 days—whichever comes first.
High-volume kitchens with daily frying typically need more frequent service to maintain compliance.
Highlighted rows indicate common trap configurations for Sacramento restaurants.
Cleaning Schedule
- Maximum 90 days between cleanings
- Clean when FOG reaches 25% capacity
- High-volume kitchens: monthly service
- Monitor trap levels weekly
Documentation
- Keep service records for 3+ years
- Maintain waste disposal manifests
- Document cleaning dates and findings
- Ready for health inspections
Compliance
- Use licensed service providers only
- Follow FOG best practices
- Install required drain screens
- Train kitchen staff properly
Sacramento Restaurant Compliance Checklist
Best Management Practices
Scrape Plates Before Washing
Remove all food waste into trash before washing to reduce solids entering the trap
Use Drain Screens
Install and clean screens daily on all sinks to catch food particles
Recycle Cooking Oil
Never pour oil down drains. Use approved recycling containers for used cooking oil
Train Kitchen Staff
Ensure all employees understand FOG prevention and proper disposal methods
Regular Inspections
Monitor trap levels weekly and schedule cleaning before reaching 25% capacity
Maintain Records
Keep organized files of all service reports and cleaning documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about grease trap cleaning schedules and compliance
What is the 25% rule for grease trap cleaning?▼
The 25% rule is an EPA guideline requiring grease traps to be cleaned before fats, oils, and grease (FOG) reach 25% of the trap's total capacity. Sacramento County enforces this rule to prevent sewer blockages. Going beyond 25% capacity risks violations and fines.
Does Sacramento require grease trap cleaning every 90 days?▼
Yes. Sacramento enforces a strict "90-day or 25%" rule, meaning grease traps must be cleaned at least every 90 days OR when they reach 25% capacity—whichever comes first. High-volume kitchens often need monthly service.
What documentation do I need for health inspections?▼
Sacramento health inspectors require detailed service records showing cleaning dates, waste disposal manifests, and maintenance reports. Keep records for at least 3 years. We provide complete documentation with every service that meets all health department requirements.
What are the penalties for non-compliance in Sacramento?▼
Penalties for grease trap violations in Sacramento range from $250 to $5,000 per violation. Businesses may also be required to reimburse the city for cleaning costs if improper grease disposal affects sewer lines. Regular maintenance is far less expensive than fines.
How do I know what size grease trap I have?▼
Check your original installation permit, building plans, or the manufacturer label on the trap itself. Typical sizes range from 200 lbs (small indoor traps) to 1,500+ gallons (large outdoor interceptors). Call us for a free inspection if you're unsure.
Official Resources
Government agencies and industry organizations for Sacramento restaurant owners
Sacramento Area Sewer District FOG Program
Official pretreatment program and grease trap requirements
California Water Boards FOG Management
State regulations for fats, oils, and grease control programs
Sacramento County Environmental Management
Local permits, inspections, and environmental compliance
EPA FOG Control Guidelines
Federal guidelines for grease trap management and compliance
California Restaurant Association
Industry resources and compliance guidance for restaurant owners
These external links are provided for reference only. We are not affiliated with these organizations.
Stay Compliant & Avoid Fines
Don't risk costly violations. We provide professional grease trap cleaning with complete documentation for Sacramento County restaurants.