Boston Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Food Service

Boston Grease Trap Requirements & Local Codes

The City of Boston requires all food service establishments to install properly sized grease traps or interceptors based on fixture drain calculations, typically mandated by the Boston Plumbing Code (which adopts the International Plumbing Code). Establishments must have interceptors located outside the building or in designated pit areas, sized to hold approximately 1.5 times the daily grease and oil volume produced. Boston's Environmental Department and Health Department coordinate inspections to ensure compliance with both the plumbing code and food service sanitation standards. Regular certification of trap capacity and cleaning records must be maintained and presented during health inspections.

Monthly Inspection Checklist Items

Inspect visible grease accumulation in the trap—the liquid level should not exceed 25% of the tank depth. Check that all drain pipes leading to the trap are secure and free from leaks or blockages. Document cleaning dates and disposal records from your licensed grease hauling service (Boston requires contracts with certified vendors). Verify that baffles inside the trap are intact and properly positioned to trap solids and grease. Test drain flow from kitchen sinks, dishwashing areas, and floor drains—sluggish drainage indicates a trap that needs immediate professional cleaning. Photograph conditions monthly as evidence of compliance during unannounced health department visits.

Common Boston Violations & How to Avoid Them

The most frequent citation is infrequent or inadequate cleaning—traps must be pumped every 1-3 months depending on volume, not just once per year. Undersized traps cause grease to overflow into the municipal sewer system, resulting in fines up to several hundred dollars and mandatory replacement at operator expense. Lack of proper disposal documentation (hauler receipts and manifests) is cited when operators cannot prove waste was removed by licensed vendors. Blocked or damaged drain lines, missing or deteriorated baffles, and evidence of grease ponding outside the trap are all code violations. Establish a written maintenance schedule, maintain all receipts and service records, and assign staff responsibility for monthly visual inspections to stay audit-ready.

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