Detroit Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Food Service

Detroit Local Grease Trap Requirements

Detroit requires all food service establishments to install properly sized grease interceptors or grease traps according to the International Plumbing Code and Detroit's Building Code. The Detroit Water Department and Health Department jointly enforce these standards during facility inspections. Traps must be accessible for cleaning, located outside the building when possible, and sized based on your establishment's daily cooking volume and drain flow rates. You are responsible for maintaining records of maintenance and inspections, which must be made available to health inspectors upon request.

Monthly & Quarterly Maintenance Checklist

Inspect trap contents monthly for grease and solid buildup—traps should never exceed 25% capacity before pumping. Document all cleaning dates and contractor information in a maintenance log. Check for visible leaks, cracks, or corrosion on the trap exterior and all connection pipes. Ensure drain lines from kitchen equipment to the trap remain clear and unobstructed. Quarterly, have a licensed Detroit-area waste management contractor pump and professionally clean your grease trap; records of this service must be retained for at least one year per Health Department requirements.

Common Violations & How to Avoid Them

The most frequent Detroit grease trap citations include: failure to maintain trap or provide pump-out records, improper disposal of fryer oil directly down drains, accumulation exceeding safe capacity levels, and absence of accessible trap covers or risers. Never allow staff to dispose of hot grease, cooking oils, or large food solids into kitchen drains—establish a separate collection system for used fryer oil. Train all kitchen staff on proper grease management practices and ensure your trap location and access points are clearly marked and protected from damage or neglect during daily operations.

Stay compliant. Get real-time health alerts for Detroit food safety.

Real-time food safety alerts from 25+ government sources. AI-scored by urgency. Less than one bad meal a month — $4.99/mo.