Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet

Transcription

1 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet Why a Fats, Oils and Grease Program INTRODUCTION Fats, oils and grease (FOG) cause serious problems in the sewer system. FOG sticks to the walls of the pipes when put down the drain. Over time, FOG can restrict the flow in a pipe until a sewer clog or overflow occurs. Clogs and overflows can create smelly, dirty messes possibly damaging your business, property, profits, as well as the environment. Clean Pipe Grease Coated Pipe Grease Clogged Pipe Sewer Spill Don t get stuck paying fines and cleanup costs FOG blockages can cause sewer overflows into businesses, nearby homes or local waterways, potentially causing a loss of business. Overflows impacting public health, water ways and storm drains may result in expensive fines and cleanup costs. Preventing FOG from entering sewers can avoid these problems. benefits of keeping FOG from going down the drain Preventing grease-related sewer blockages and overflows benefits your business, your pocketbook and the environment by: Avoiding expensive clean-up costs and penalties Avoiding the loss of business due to sewer back-ups Keeping the environment clean

2 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Instruction Sheet Proper disposal of fats, oils and grease best management practices (Bmps) training signage proper water temperature drain screens recycling spills Explain that fats, oils and grease (FOG) are a problem when washed down drains, because they can clog the sewers and create overflows. Post Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease Best Management Practices (BMPs) signs near sinks and dishwashers. Use mild water temperatures (120 F to 140 F) in all sinks. This is especially important in pre-rinse sinks. Install/use removable drain screens in all sink drains (floor sink drains, kitchen sinks, mop sinks and hand sinks) to capture solid materials. The screen openings should be 1/8 to 3/16 and removable to make the screen easy to clean. Adding a second screen can help prevent solid materials from entering the sewer when cleaning the first screen. clean hood filters Clean exhaust hood filters in sinks, not outside. This prevents pollutants from entering the storm drains. Recycle used cooking oil and grease by collecting and storing in a recycling barrel or bin. Block off sinks and floor drains near any FOG related spill and clean up using absorbent materials, such as absorbent sweep, cat litter or paper towels. Place used absorbent material in plastic bags before placing in the trash. Mop the area and dispose of mop water in the mop sink. overflows Prevent outdoor spills and overflows from entering the storm drain by creating a barrier using dirt, cat litter or other absorbent material to contain the overflow until all grease is cleaned. Call the local sewer agency as soon as possible. Overflows from outdoor interceptors may result in fines and costs associated with cleanup (see Grease Trap Maintenance and Grease Interceptor Maintenance instruction sheets). grease removal device maintenance Regularly service grease interceptors and grease traps. Use only licensed waste haulers (see Selecting A Grease Hauler information sheet). When possible, witness all cleaning and maintenance of outdoor grease interceptors to ensure the device is properly serviced (see Grease Interceptor Maintenance instruction sheet). Manual indoor grease traps should be cleaned weekly at minimum, or daily depending on the use of BMPs, number of customers and type of food served. Clean indoor automatic grease traps daily (see Grease Trap Maintenance instruction sheet). record keeping Keep receipts from a California Department of Food and Agriculture licensed grease waste hauler for two years.

3 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet Grease Removal Devices What ARE grease removal devices Grease removal devices separate fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before the water enters the sewer. There are large outdoor underground grease interceptors and smaller indoor grease traps. Which grease removal device do you have Outdoor Underground Grease Interceptor Sample Indoor Manual Grease Trap Sample Indoor Automatic Grease Trap Where is the grease removal device at your restaurant Learn where your grease removal device is located in order to ensure proper maintenance and usage. Proper maintenance of grease interceptors and grease traps prevents FOG from clogging pipes and potentially causing a sewer backup. We recommend your business install a grease removal device if you do not already have one. Grease removal devices are approved by the local building department or sewer agency. To find which building department or sewer agency services your area visit

4 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Instruction Sheet Grease Interceptor Maintenance INTRODUCTION A grease interceptor is an outdoor underground device that removes fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the sewer. Interceptors are one of the most effective grease removal devices for food service establishments (FSEs). Grease interceptors require routine maintenance to keep FOG from entering the sewer system and causing overflows. Wastewater enters the interceptor from kitchen drains, and is slowed down so solids can settle to the bottom. Grease, being lighter than water, floats to the top. The grease interceptor should be pumped completely every three months. The greasy content of the interceptor pumped out is known as brown grease and is generally disposed at a wastewater treatment facility, but may become part of renewable energy sources in the future. The required maintenance frequency for grease interceptors may be significantly reduced by following proper grease disposal practices (see Proper Disposal of Fats, Oils and Grease BMPs instruction sheet). New FSEs and remodeled FSEs maybe required to install a grease interceptor. Refer to your local building department or sewer agency to find out if a grease interceptor is required for your new or remodeled FSE (see Requirements for New and Remodeled FSEs information sheet).

5 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Instruction Sheet Grease Interceptor Maintenance (continued) Maintenance Maintenance of interceptors includes removing all of the liquids and solids and disposing of the material in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. A rule of thumb is to clean the interceptor when 25 percent of the total volume is a combination of grease and solids. Consult with a reputable Grease Hauler to determine the appropriate maintenance schedule for your business (see Selecting A Grease Hauler information sheet). The interceptor should be pumped out completely at least once every three months. Waiting too long to clean an interceptor can create an odor problem. Dishwashers should not be plumbed to grease interceptors that are less than 750 gallons, because the higher temperature of the dishwater and the use of detergents keep grease from separating from the water. disposal of grease interceptor waste Removal and disposal of solids and liquids from a grease interceptor must be performed by a licensed Grease Hauler. When possible, witness the Grease Hauler completely pumping out all liquids and solids from the interceptor. Maintenance Records The licensed Grease Hauler should record the date, volume of grease and liquid removed and provide a receipt. Keep receipts from California Department of Food and Agriculture licensed Grease Haulers for two years to demonstrate proper interceptor maintenance. If an overflow OCCURs We recommend you take the following actions: Stop the flow of water into kitchen drains that empty into the interceptor by turning the faucet(s) off. Stop any flow to a storm drain using absorbent materials, such as cat litter or dirt, and cleanup overflows. Call your local sewer agency at as soon as possible. Call a plumber to inspect sewer lines, verify the interceptor is working properly and clean up the spill. Never use water to hose or spray fats, oils and grease (FOG) spills into a storm drain. When cleaning a small spill yourself, use absorbent materials, placing the used materials in a separate sealed bag before throwing away. Clean sewer lines from the interceptor outlet to the main sewer line, in addition to cleaning the lines from the building to the interceptor. Prevent outdoor grease overflows from impacting public health and the environment, including storm drains, by properly disposing of FOG and maintaining your grease removal device.

6 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Instruction Sheet Grease Trap Maintenance INTRODUCTION There are two types of grease traps: manual and automatic. Grease traps require frequent maintenance in order to remove fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater before it enters the sewer. Grease traps are generally under the sink, but can be found in the floor. You should know where your grease trap is located and how to open and maintain it. Sample Manual Grease Trap* (Maintenance Recommended Weekly) Sample Automatic Grease Trap* (Maintenance Recommended Daily) Follow the Proper Disposal of FOG Best Management Practices (BMPs) instruction sheet so traps do not have to be cleaned as often. Maintenance Automatic grease traps should be easily accessible and checked daily. Automatic grease traps are designed to automatically remove captured grease and oil waste. Daily maintenance of these systems should include emptying the food waste basket strainer and checking whether the grease and oil collection container needs emptying. Manual grease traps need to be cleaned at least weekly. However, if the trap is more than 25 percent full of grease after one week, the trap should be cleaned more often. Never use hot water, acids, caustics, solvents or emulsifying agents when cleaning grease traps. Dishwashers should not be plumbed to grease traps, because the higher temperature of dishwater and the use of detergents keep grease from separating from the water. Before cleaning the manual trap you may want to put ice down the sink that drains to the trap, and lemon juice to help with the odor. disposal of grease trap waste Grease from automatic grease traps can be mixed with used oil and grease that is placed in a recycling bin. However, you should ask the renderer if they allow the mixing of automatic grease trap waste oil and used cooking/fryer oil. Grease from a manual grease trap cannot be recycled. It is considered the same as brown grease from a grease interceptor due to the large amount of water that is mixed with the grease. To dispose of grease from a manual grease trap solidify the grease by mixing it with an absorbent material, such as cat litter, then seal it in a separate bag before throwing it away. Maintenance Records Food service employees or cleaning services may maintain indoor grease traps. Maintenance records should be kept for two years to demonstrate proper maintenance of the grease trap. These records should include the name of who cleaned the trap and on what date. If an Overflow OCCURS Stop water flowing to the grease trap and take immediate action to contain and cleanup the overflow. The local sewer agency may need to be notified and a plumber called to clean sewer lines and check if the trap is working properly. When cleaning any overflow yourself use absorbent materials, placing the used materials in a separate sealed bag before throwing it away. * For more information about maintaining your grease traps, consult your owner s manual or contact the manufacturer.

7 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Instruction Sheet How to recycle Kitchen Grease INTRODUCTION Don ts of Recycling Grease DON T pour FOG into a sink, floor drain, storm drain, dumpster, plastic bags or on outdoor surfaces or landscaped areas. DON T combine FOG from the manual grease trap or grease interceptor with the recyclable oils and grease. DON T wash recycling area or outdoor spills into the sewer or storm drain. Do s of Recycling Grease DO save used cooking oil for recycling in sealed bins or sealed containers by emptying into solid containers that you can easily lift and pour. DO combine used oil and grease collected from an automatic grease trap with the recycled grease bin/container contents after asking the renderer if its okay to mix the oils. DO keep bins and containers sealed, tightly closed or locked to prevent illegal dumping and to keep insects, animals, rainwater and wind out. If the bins and containers are stored outside, keep them under a roof and away from storm drains. DO train all employees on spill response and reporting procedures, including use of absorbent materials, proper disposal and reporting overflows or spills to management. recycled grease storage area Grease bin storage areas should be located greater than 30 feet away from a storm drain. Keep area clean by using absorbent sweep or mop and put dirty mop water in the mop sink. Keep spill clean-up kits containing rags, absorbent sweep, kitty litter, etc., near the storage area in an accessible location. Keep the exterior of the container clean by using absorbent materials to wipe off any noticeable grease. Place used absorbent sweep, cat litter, paper towels or similar materials for cleaning in a separate sealed bag before placing it in the trash. Questions To Ask A Renderer Do you provide the containers for the grease? How often will the grease be picked up? How often are grease bins replaced? Recycling used cooking oil and grease from fryers and other cooking equipment keeps fats, oils and grease (FOG) out of the sewer and storm drain systems. The used cooking oil and grease should be collected in sealed bins or sealed containers that can be stored outside, preferably under a roof. Use a California Department of Food and Agriculture licensed renderer for disposal of recycled kitchen grease. Recycling waste cooking oil helps prolong the life of grease traps and interceptors. Used cooking oil and grease that has not been mixed with water is also known as yellow grease and can be recycled into animal feed, lubricants, and fuels such as biodiesel. Small quantities of oil that cannot be recycled should be solidified with absorbent materials, placing the used materials in a separate sealed bag before throwing away. Large quantities of used cooking oil should be recycled. If you provide them, what size are the containers? Do you allow the mixing of yellow grease from an automatic grease trap with the recycled grease? See Licensed Grease Haulers information sheet for a list of licensed renderers in the Sacramento area.

8 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet Selecting A Grease Hauler INTRODUCTION Restaurant owners and operators are responsible for properly maintaining their outdoor underground grease interceptors. A reputable Grease Hauler can help with maintenance by recommending an appropriate cleaning schedule and notifying you of any mechanical problems with the grease interceptor. By carefully selecting a licensed Grease Hauler you should: Receive the service you paid for Ensure grease is properly managed Avoid illegal dumping and under bidding Reduce the chance of experiencing a sewer overflow Avoid sewer and stormwater fines or penalties Services Should Include Tips Services provided by Grease Haulers may vary, but at a minimum, should include: Complete removal of grease layer, settled solids and wastewater. Do not accept skimming the top layer of grease only, as debris also collects at the bottom of the interceptor. A thorough cleaning, including removing baffle and lid if possible, scraping the sides, lid and baffles to remove as much of the grease as possible and replacing the baffle and lid. Proper disposal of grease waste and water at an approved location. A contract which states disposal will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. A receipt with the date and volume removed. Ask the hauler/pumper to describe their pumping process. Compare costs of service, availability and scheduling. The cost of hauling is charged per gallon of waste and costs will vary, so check with different companies. Ask other restaurants for their opinions and experiences with Grease Haulers/ Recyclers. When possible, witness/observe all activities performed by the Grease Hauler. If the Grease Hauler does not provide adequate answers to your questions, you may want to consider interviewing additional Grease Haulers. Enforcement actions against waste haulers for improperly disposing of waste do occur and many times restaurant owners pay for improper pumping and disposal. For a list of Sacramento area Grease Haulers/Pumpers/Recyclers, refer to the Yellow Pages under Grease Traps, Grease Haulers, Septic Tanks and Systems or see the list of Licensed Grease Haulers.

9 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet Licensed grease haulers A-1 Septic Service P.O. Box 762 West Sacramento, CA (916) ABC Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning nd Street Sacramento, CA (916) Ace Plumbing, Heating &Air 4405 Franklin Blvd. Sacramento, CA (916) Advanced Septic Service 6513 Auburn Blvd. Citrus Heights, CA (916) All Pumping & Septic 1289 Sonoma Avenue Sacramento, CA (916) All Valley Environmental Inc. 523 N. Brawley Avenue Fresno, CA (559) Ameriguard Maintenance Services, LLC* 4681 E. Vine Avenue Fresno, CA (559) APS Environmental Inc nd Street 103 North Highlands, CA (916) Best Construction & Maintenance Inc Jackson Road Sacramento, CA (916) Chucks & Auburn Septic 4504 Yankee Hill Ct. Rocklin, CA (916) Cook s Portable Toilets & Septic 1402 Riosa Road Lincoln, CA (916) Darling International* Carpenter Road Crows Landing, CA (209) G & C Septic Service Stockton Blvd. Galt, CA (916) Howards Grease Trap Pumping 8185 Cashel Way Sacramento, CA (916) Liquid Environmental Solutions of CA Corporate Office High Bluff Drive, Suite 240 San Diego, CA Roto Rooter Plumbers 2551 Albatross Way Sacramento, CA (916) Sacramento Rendering Company* dba SRC Pumping Co. P.O. Box Sacramento, CA (916) Sweet Septic Systems 5701 Mother Lode Drive Placerville, CA (916) * Licensed renderer with the California Department of Food and Agriculture Note: The list of haulers above are licensed by the California State Department of Food and Agriculture. The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, County Sanitation District No. 1 and its contributing agencies do not make any representations or warranties, expressed or implied to the fitness, capacity or ability of the licensed Grease Haulers in the above list. The licensed Grease Haulers listed above are listed strictly for your reference purposes and in no way should be considered as an endorsement by the County or the aforementioned Sanitation Districts and their contributing agencies of the services the listed haulers provide and/or their respective compliance records. Prior to the use of any of the Grease Haulers listed above, you should determine the license status of any Grease Hauler you employ. The above list was created in November 2006 and may not be inclusive. Updated lists are available at

10 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet Requirements for New and Remodeled Food Service Establishments INTRODUCTION Fats, oils and grease (FOG) cause serious problems in the sanitary sewer system. FOG sticks to the walls of the pipes when poured down the drain and, over time, restricts the flow until a sewer clog or overflow occurs. These clogs and overflows can create smelly, dirty messes, possibly damaging your business, property, and profits, as well as the environment. Requirements When constructing a new facility that serves food, also known as food service establishments (FSEs), or remodeling an existing FSE, you may be required to put in an appropriately sized outdoor underground grease interceptor per Uniform Plumbing Code. Before you start a project we recommend you contact your local building department or sewer service provider for grease interceptor construction requirements. To find out who the building department or sewer agency is in your area visit For more information on grease interceptors see the Grease Removal Device information sheet and the Grease Removal Device Manufacturers list. Check with your building department or sewer agency to ensure all plumbing code requirements are met and proper permits are obtained. Other Grease Removal Devices When FSEs cannot install an outdoor underground grease interceptor due to space limitations, utility line disruption or an inadequate slope of wastewater drainage, the FSE can request a variance from the building department or sewer agency. The building department or sewer agency will decide if factors exist that do not allow installation of a grease interceptor and may allow installation of another type of grease removal device, such as a grease trap. Inspections, Fines, Penalties Your facility may be inspected at any time by the authority with jurisdiction to ensure proper maintenance of the grease removal equipment and proper disposal of grease waste. If a sanitary sewer overflow occurs, your facility could be held responsible for clean up costs and potentially be assessed fines and penalties.

11 Owner / Operator Food Service Establishment Information Sheet grease removal device manufacturers Areo Power Unitized Fueler Inc. 103 Smithtown Blvd. Smithtown, NY (800) 242-AREO Big Dipper Thermaco, Inc. Sales Affiliates (800) Grease Gard FOG Environmental, LLC P.O. Box 939 Newberg, OR (888) Jensen Precast 5400 Raley Blvd. Sacramento, CA (916) (800) Light Commercial Products 2640 South Work Street Falconer, NY (716) Fax: (716) Oldcastle Precast Group Pleasanton, CA (925) Sweet Septic 5701 Mother Lode Drive Placerville, CA (800) Zurn Plumbing Products 1801 Pittsburg Ave. Eric, PA (814) Josam Co. 525 W. US Hwy 20 Michigan City, IN (800) Note: Neither the County of Sacramento nor the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, County Sanitation District No. 1. and its contributing agencies make any representations or warranties, expressed or implied to the fitness, capacity or ability of the Grease Removal Device Manufacturers set forth in the above list. The Grease Removal Device Manufacturers listed above are listed strictly for your reference purposes and in no way should be considered as an endorsement by the County or the aforementioned Sanitation Districts and their contributing agencies of the services the listed manufacturers provide and/or their respective compliance records. The above list was created in November 2006 and may not be inclusive. Updated lists are available at

12 Food Service Establishment Employee Quiz Questions 1. Why is pouring fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain a problem? A) It can cause a sewer overflow. B) It clogs the drain. C) It may result in expensive fines and cleanup. D) All of the above 2. Which of the following is NOT a Best Management Practice (BMP)? A) Wipe or scrape food before washing. B) Wash spilled oil down the drain. C) Use absorbent materials to clean up FOG related spills. D) Use easy to clean and removable screens in all drains and sinks. 3. What is the purpose of a grease removal device? A) To separate FOG from wastewater before water enters sewer. B) To pump grease from kitchen equipment into the trash. C) To store kitchen grease. D) All of the above 4. How often should the grease interceptor be pumped? A) 5 times a day B) at least monthly C) 4 times a year D) once a year 5. You should always use water to clean FOG spills. A) True B) False 6. An automatic indoor grease trap should be maintained two times per week. A) True B) False 7. Where should grease and oil be recycled? A) grease recycling bin B) trash cans C) down the sink D) in a paper bag 8. What are two types of indoor grease traps? A) neutral and automatic B) computer and automatic C) manual and automatic D) foreign and manual 1) D: Pouring fats, oils and grease (FOG) down drains can lead to all of the results listed. If FOG gets into storm drains then it could result in expensive fines and cleanup. Sewer pipes can get clogged from FOG and can result in a sewer overflow. 2) B: Oil should never be washed down the drain. 3) A: Grease removal devices help prevent FOG from going into sewer lines. 4) B: Grease interceptors need to be checked at least once a month to make sure it is not full. 5) B: Water should never be used to clean FOG spills, because it will end up down the drain. Use absorbent materials and throw them away in the trash bin after the spill is cleaned. 6) B: Automatic indoor grease traps should be cleaned daily. 7) A: Grease and oil should be recylced in a grease recycling bin located in a well maintained storage area. 8) manual and automatic.