Grease Management & Inspections FAQs

April 2, 2026

Wastewater crews are seeing increased grease blockages in sewer lines across the city. When a sewer line gets clogged with grease, wastewater cannot move through the system the way it is supposed to. That can cause flow to back up in the line, reduce capacity, and in some cases lead to overflows or backups into low areas, manholes, or nearby properties. It also creates extra wear on the system and requires emergency response from city crews. These blockages are preventable with proper management.

For Restaurants & Food Service Establishments:

• Make sure grease interceptors are on a regular service schedule
• Don’t let grease and solids go past 75% of capacity before cleaning
• Keep a log of grease trap pump-outs and maintenance, as required
• Store grease in proper, leakproof containers and use secondary containment where needed
• When cleaning hood filters, mats, or equipment, keep grease out of floor drains and storm drains
• Do not wash kitchen mats or equipment in the street
• Do not discharge mop water or grease waste into storm drains or the streets

For Residents:

• Small amounts still add up over time and contribute to blockages
• Don’t pour grease, oils, or fats down the sink; instead, let it cool and throw it away in a sealed container

Inspections

2026 city-wide annual restaurant inspections will take place April 1 through May 15. Staff from Code Enforcement will be performing permit of compliance inspections for those restaurants serving alcohol and staff from Wastewater will be inspecting for fats, oils and grease. These will include checking maintenance practices and pump-out records to make sure everything is being handled properly. Each inspection should be brief.

We’ve seen a few questions about the City’s grease trap inspections, so we wanted to provide some clarity.

The State (Board of Health) conducts restaurant inspections focused on food safety and sanitation inside the facility. The City’s grease trap inspections are focused on something different—protecting the wastewater system. Grease that isn’t properly managed can build up in sewer lines, leading to blockages, backups into businesses or homes, costly emergency repairs, and even environmental impacts.

While the State may review grease trap maintenance as part of their process, the City is responsible for maintaining the sewer infrastructure. That’s why many municipalities conduct their own grease control inspections alongside State inspections.

It’s also important to note there is no fee for the City’s grease trap inspections. This program is focused on prevention, not revenue.

By completing these inspections in the spring, we’re working with restaurants to make sure everything is functioning properly before the busy summer season, when system demand is at its highest.

At the end of the day, this is about keeping things flowing, avoiding unnecessary issues, and protecting both our community and environment.