Portland Grease Trap Compliance Checklist for Restaurants

Portland-Specific Grease Trap Requirements

Portland requires food service establishments to install and maintain grease interceptors (traps) sized according to the volume and type of wastewater discharged. The City of Portland's Wastewater & Stormwater code mandates that grease trap capacity must be at least 100% of the largest single-use sink or piece of equipment's flow. Pretreatment facilities must be installed before wastewater enters the city's sanitary sewer system, and regular cleaning is mandatory. The Oregon Health Authority Food Safety Division also requires documentation of maintenance records available for inspection at any time.

Critical Inspection & Maintenance Checklist Items

Inspectors check that grease traps are pumped at minimum every 30 days (more frequently if capacity warrants), with documented service records from licensed waste contractors. The interceptor must be properly sized, located accessibly for cleaning, and free from cracks or leaks that could cause overflow into stormwater systems. Baffles and outlet pipes must be intact and functional to prevent grease from entering municipal pipes. All connections to sinks, fryers, and dishwashing stations should be sealed and direct. Signage must be posted reminding staff not to dispose of non-grease waste (food solids, detergents) in the trap.

Common Violations & Prevention Strategies

Portland inspectors frequently cite undersized or missing grease traps, missed pump-out appointments, and poor kitchen staff training on what can enter the system. Food debris, bones, and starch-based waste clog traps and trigger sewer backups that result in fines from the City of Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services. Prevent violations by establishing a routine maintenance schedule, training all kitchen staff on proper disposal procedures, and keeping pump-out receipts with the date, capacity removed, and contractor credentials. Non-compliance can trigger environmental cleanup costs, sewer surcharges, and operational penalties from both the city and state health authority.

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