Atlanta Grease Trap & Interceptor Requirements for Restaurants

Atlanta's Grease Trap Legal Requirements

The City of Atlanta enforces grease trap installation and maintenance under the Stormwater Management Ordinance and Health Department regulations, which align with Georgia state environmental codes. All restaurants, food trucks, catering facilities, and commercial kitchens must install properly sized grease interceptors based on their daily waste volume—typically sized at 1.5 times the estimated daily grease discharge. Atlanta requires separation of grease trap maintenance from regular plumbing work; only certified, licensed operators may pump and service these systems. The City of Atlanta Watershed Management division inspects grease traps during routine establishment inspections and can issue violations for improper installation, missing covers, or failure to maintain pumping records.

Maintenance Schedule & Pumping Requirements

Atlanta regulations require grease trap pumping every 30–45 days depending on usage volume and the specific interceptor size; high-volume establishments may need service every 2–3 weeks. The Georgia Department of Public Health and local health inspectors expect establishments to maintain detailed pumping logs and disposal records from a licensed waste management contractor. Failure to pump on schedule can result in grease buildup, which triggers violations during health inspections and may cause backup issues that violate the Stormwater Management Ordinance. All pumped grease waste must be disposed of at an approved facility and documented; Atlanta health inspectors may request these records during routine or complaint-driven inspections.

Compliance Tips & Violation Prevention

Partner with a licensed local waste removal contractor that specializes in grease trap pumping and maintains documentation that meets Atlanta's standards. Install signage in the kitchen reminding staff to avoid pouring oil, grease, and food solids down drains—pre-scrape dishes and use grease catch containers. Schedule pumping appointments before the 30–45 day window closes and keep all invoices and pump-out reports on file for at least one year to demonstrate compliance during inspections. Monitor your grease trap for visible grease accumulation between services, and report any odors, slow drainage, or backup issues immediately to prevent sewage overflows that trigger penalties under stormwater and sewer codes.

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