The fundamental purpose of a grease trap – and the reason they are legally required in commercial hot food kitchens – is to stop food waste such as fats, oils and grease (FOG) from getting into the municipal sewer system. It does this by cleverly ‘trapping’ waste within the device itself. This is great news for the sewers, but it means disposing of the collected waste yourself, and it’s not as simple as throwing it in the bin.

In this blog, the experienced engineers at Aqua Mundus will talk you through the best way to legally and safely dispose of the contents of your grease trap, and how we can take the hassle out of grease waste management for you.

Why Does Grease Trap Waste Need Disposing Of?

FOG is classified as controlled waste, meaning it must be disposed of at licensed waste facilities, and you must receive a waste transfer note for full legal compliance. Your local council and water company will be able to provide details of your nearest licensed waste facilities. Before we look at how to dispose of grease trap waste, let’s briefly explore why FOG waste is so tightly controlled.

Environmental Impact of Improper Disposal

FOG is very damaging to the environment, polluting sewers, rivers and the sea. Wildlife and aquatic ecosystems suffer greatly from grease contamination. What’s more, FOG can coalesce with other waste in sewers to cause ‘fatbergs’ blocking sewers and costing millions to remove.

Legal and Health Consequences

When FOG builds up, it can release foul and even toxic gases into the surrounding area, damaging human health. Businesses that fail to comply with legislation can be fined under the Water Industry Act 1991 and other environmental protection laws.

Preventing Plumbing and Equipment Damage

Apart from the legal and health repercussions, unchallenged FOG buildup can damage your plumbing systems, block pipes and reduce water flow from your sinks, causing significant kitchen hygiene issues. Even with a grease trap, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your water flowing normally.

Five Steps to Dispose of Grease Trap Waste Properly

1. Check Local Regulations and Compliance Guidelines

When it comes to how to dispose of grease trap waste, the first step to take is to familiarise yourself with your local regulations and processes and ensure you are fully compliant with them. You’ll be able to find out the nearest licensed waste carriers and disposal facilities from your local council and water company.

2. Schedule Regular Grease Trap Maintenance

Regular cleaning of your grease trap is essential for full compliance with legislation; the device must be working optimally at all times. Frequency between deep cleaning will vary based on your specific volume of FOG produced and the size of your facility. Pre-planned maintenance and cleaning services from a company like Aqua Mundus can shoulder much of this burden for you.

If you’re spending more time cleaning than you feel you should be, you likely need a bigger grease trap or a more comprehensive grease management system. Talk to us for professional help with this.

3. Separate and Store Grease Waste Correctly

When you empty your grease traps, the waste must be stored and never disposed of with normal refuse. Research the best containers for storing FOG waste – you’re going to want something leak-proof that can contain the odours – while you’re waiting for a licensed waste carrier to come and collect it.

4. Hire a Licensed Waste Disposal Service

Waste must be collected by an Environment Agency-registered waste carrier. The big benefit of using a waste carrier is that a lot of the legal compliance, including the provision of waste transfer notes, is taken care of by them. This is a service that Aqua Mundus can provide too.

5. Keep Records of Waste Disposal for Compliance

You should keep detailed records of your waste transfer processes, including all waste transfer notes, for at least two years. If the Environment Agency or your local water company inspect you or demand to see your documents, you must be able to provide them.

Speak to a Grease Trap Expert Today

It’s a lot to remember, especially on top of trying to manage staff, run your kitchen and focus on the food you cook. That’s why we offer a full solution to your grease management needs, from design and installation to cleaning, maintenance and waste disposal.

Contact Aqua Mundus today and discover just how easy we can make waste compliance for your commercial kitchen. When looking at how to dispose of grease trap waste, there’s no more convenient way.

Grease Trap Waste FAQs

  • How do you treat grease trap waste?

    Waste can be further treated on your site with a biological grease dosing system, which uses friendly micro-organisms to further break down FOG in your pipework and grease traps. Between cleaning and disposal, the waste must be stored in leak-proof containers.

  • What happens if you don't clean a grease trap?

    Fats, oils and grease (FOG) will continue to accrue in the trap until it’s too full, at which point water flow will cease and your sinks won’t empty. You will also notice foul odours, which can also signify that dangerous and even toxic gases are being produced and released. You can be fined and even prosecuted for not complying with legislation in this area.

  • Can I dispose of grease trap waste myself?

    Depending on the volume you produce, this may be impractical, but you can take your own FOG deposits to a licensed waste facility by all means. The important thing is ensuring you can produce the correct waste transfer notes should the water company or council need to inspect you for possible breach of legislation.

  • How often should grease traps be cleaned?

    This will depend on the amount of FOG you produce and the size of your trap. Once every three months is a good guide for deep cleaning your grease trap, but you may need to perform this more frequently. If you find yourself cleaning your traps very close together, you may need to explore grease trap solutions with more capacity.

    You may even benefit in the long term from opting for an underground grease trap, which can be emptied using a vacuum tanker. This is another service we provide here at Aqua Mundus.

  • Can you recycle grease trap waste?

    This is a popular question when looking at how to dispose of grease trap waste; yes, a common use for FOG waste is in creating biodiesel. This isn’t something you need to worry about, though, as it will be dealt with by the licensed waste facility.

Did you know…

The Environment Agency estimate 75% of sewer blockages are caused by a build-up of FOG.

Source: The Environment Agency

Talk To An Expert

Whatever your grease management needs, put us to the test and you won’t be left disappointed. Thousands of clients already rely on the experience and expertise of Aqua Mundus, so get in touch to see how we can help you.

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