FOG Program Small Trap Maintenance Requirements

Cleaning your grease trap frequently will help reduce smells and odors; the longer waste is trapped the stronger the odors it generates. Cleaning your grease trap regularly also leads to a longer trap life. Rotting foods create acids that eat away at the internal components and tank. This reduces the lifespan of your trap and leads to increased repair and replacement costs.  

FOG Program Small Trap Maintenance Requirements

All small traps smaller than 50 gallons must now be cleaned and inspected on a biweekly basis. All prior issued variances and or agreements have been rescinded at this time. This maintenance should be completed in accordance with guidelines provided by JEA.

Materials removed from the trap must be disposed of in a manner consistent with local solid waste requirements. The person performing or supervising this cleaning must submit a cleaning record via FOG BMP. Learn more about the self-cleaner pump-out reporting process (PDF download).

Florida Grease Waste Requirements and Self-Cleaning Changes
As of July 1, 2022, Florida's new grease waste regulations under statute 403.0741 require all food service establishments to use a grease waste hauler for grease interceptor cleanings. These requirements are designed to ensure proper waste disposal, safeguarding our environment. As a result, JEA no longer permits customers to self-clean their grease interceptors.

JEA's Variance Program
JEA recognizes that grease interceptor cleaning can be a significant expense for business owners. By implementing best management practices (BMPs), customers can reduce the amount of grease entering their interceptors, potentially extending the time between required cleanings.

To qualify for a cleaning frequency variance, customers must submit three consecutive on-time cleaning reports from a qualified vendor. JEA will review these reports to assess whether the grease accumulation rate is low enough to justify extended cleaning intervals. Please note that granted variances are subject to periodic review and may be revoked if compliance issues arise. To formally request a variance, click here.

Tool & Materials

1. A large trash can
2. 2 or 3 trash can liners/bags (thick or heavy duty)
3. Absorbent material (Floor dry available at auto parts store or clay kitty litter)
4. Proper hand tools and safety equipment to open trap
   1. Hex head wrench (allen wrench), screw driver/small pry bar, scraper, rubber gloves and safety glasses
5. Tools for removing contents
   1. Scoop of some type
   2. Scraper (for cleaning the internal parts)
   3. Wet/dry vacuum (optional)
6. Towels/rags

Let’s Begin

1. Prepare your work area (clear area of debris, bleach bottles, and other cleaners).
2. Line the trash can with the garbage bags.
3. Add absorbent material (floor dry or kitty litter) into the lined trash can. This will soak up the water and liquid waste making transport of waste to the dumpster cleaner and safer.   

Dig In

1. Remove the lid of the grease trap.  
2. Observe the manner in which the internal parts are installed because you’ll have to re-install them properly when you finish cleaning the trap.
3. Begin removing contents of the grease trap by dipping or vacuuming the waste products from the inside of the grease trap.
4. Remove all contents until grease trap is empty.
5. Do NOT use hot water, degreasers, or soaps to clean the interior of the trap.  
6. Scrape all the inside walls, baffles, and screens to insure movement of water through unit.  
7. Inspect and note condition of tank, baffle and all removable parts. Schedule repairs or replacement as needed.  
8. Make sure the grease trap has been properly reassembled (all internal parts are in their proper place).  
9. Examine the gasket for damage. Replace if necessary – never use tube silicone as a gasket.
10. Clean and re-install rubber gasket and reposition lid on tank. Ensure all screws and holddowns are in place and properly tightened.  
11. Ensure enough absorbent material has been placed in bag to soak up all excess liquids. Add more if needed. Securely tie the bag of waste closed so that it does not leak.
12. Place bag in the garbage (solid waste) dumpster or designated receptacle. It is illegal to dump grease trap or kitchen waste into storm drains, ponds or outdoor areas.  

Document and Report Your Maintenance as Required by Industrial Pretreatment Regulation

1. Submit a cleaning record via FOG BMP. Submissions must include pictures of the empty, clean trap.
2. For information regarding submitting cleaning records via FOG BMP, please review the reporting process (PDF download).