Denver Food Waste Disposal Compliance Checklist

Denver Grease Trap & Interceptor Requirements

Denver health code (Chapter 7.42) requires all food service facilities to install and maintain grease traps or grease interceptors sized according to fixture unit calculations and establishment volume. Inspectors verify that traps are pumped at least every 30 days (or per manufacturer specifications), with documentation maintained on-site. Common violations include missing maintenance records, undersized interceptors, and improper installation that bypasses the trap entirely. Ensure your service provider submits grease trap cleaning receipts to DPHE if your permit requires it. Grease accumulation in municipal sewer lines can result in facility fines up to $1,000+ per violation under Denver's sewer use ordinance.

Food Waste Segregation & Composting Rules

Denver's waste diversion ordinance encourages (and increasingly requires for high-volume operators) separation of food scraps from general trash for composting or animal feed use. Food service facilities generating more than 1,000 pounds of food waste weekly must have a waste reduction plan in place per Denver's sustainability requirements. Inspectors check that food waste is stored in designated, sealed containers away from ready-to-eat foods and that disposal pathways are documented. Partner with a licensed organic waste hauler or approved composting facility. Violations of improper food waste storage (which can attract pests and pathogens) may result in critical citations and repeat inspection scheduling.

Common Denver Inspection Violations & Prevention

DPHE inspectors frequently cite violations including: grease-clogged drain lines, overflowing waste containers attracting rodents, lack of grease trap maintenance records, and food waste commingled with non-organic trash. Prevent these by scheduling quarterly grease trap inspections (beyond the 30-day pumping requirement), training staff on waste segregation, labeling all waste containers with contents and dates, and maintaining a three-year file of disposal receipts. If your facility receives a violation, DPHE typically allows 10–14 days for correction; re-inspection may incur additional fees. Document all corrective actions with photos and vendor invoices for your compliance record.

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