New Orleans Restaurant Grease Trap Requirements & Compliance Guide

New Orleans & Louisiana Grease Trap Regulations

New Orleans requires all food service establishments to install and maintain grease traps or interceptors sized according to the Louisiana Uniform Construction Code (LUCC) and local plumbing ordinances. The City of New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits oversees plumbing installations, while the Department of Health and Human Services enforces operational standards during food safety inspections. Grease traps must be cleaned and pumped regularly—typically every 7 to 14 days for high-volume operations, though frequency depends on trap size and kitchen volume. Louisiana state regulations mandate that grease interceptors prevent more than 10% grease accumulation by weight before cleaning is required.

Maintenance & Pumping Requirements

New Orleans restaurants must maintain documented records of all grease trap cleanings and pumping, with copies provided to the health department upon request. Professional waste haulers licensed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality must pump interceptors and dispose of grease waste at permitted facilities. Restaurants operating 24/7 or with high-capacity fryers may need pumping every 5–7 days; most establishments require service every 2–4 weeks. Failure to maintain pumping records or neglecting maintenance can result in health code violations, fines up to several thousand dollars, and operational restrictions during inspections.

How New Orleans Standards Differ from Federal Guidelines

Federal EPA and USDA guidelines establish baseline standards for wastewater management, but New Orleans enforces more prescriptive local codes through the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and LUCC amendments. While federal standards focus on environmental protection and wastewater quality, New Orleans requires regular third-party pumping verification and stricter frequency schedules. The city also mandates grease trap signage, accessible cleanout ports, and temperature controls (separate from federal requirements). Local health inspectors check trap accessibility and may require upgrades to older installations that no longer meet current municipal codes.

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