San Francisco Food Waste Disposal Compliance Checklist

SF Mandatory Food Waste Composting Requirements

San Francisco's Mandatory Composting Ordinance (Article 8, Section 805 et seq.) requires all food service establishments to separate food waste from trash for composting. You must provide staff training on proper food waste segregation at hiring and annually, with documented records available for inspection. All food-soiled paper, food scraps, and compostable service ware must go into green compost bins—never into landfill trash. The Department of Public Health and Department of the Environment jointly inspect compliance, and violations carry escalating fines starting at $100 for first offense.

Grease Trap Installation, Maintenance & Inspection Standards

Every food service operation with sink drainage must install and maintain a properly sized grease trap or grease interceptor, registered with the SF Public Utilities Commission. Grease traps must be pumped and cleaned every 30 days or when contents reach 25% capacity—whichever comes first—by a licensed waste hauler. You must maintain pumping records with dates, amounts removed, and hauler certification for health department inspections. High-temperature water (140°F+) cannot be discharged directly; grease traps prevent blockages in city sewers. Failure to maintain records or pump on schedule results in civil citations and mandatory re-inspection.

Common SF Violations & Inspection Red Flags

Inspectors cite food service operations for: mixing food waste with trash or recyclables, missing or illegible grease trap maintenance logs, undersized or non-functional grease interceptors, and improper employee training documentation. Leaving food waste bins uncovered or overflowing attracts pests and triggers violations under Health Code Article 61. Discharging fryer oil or liquid grease down drains is a separate violation that can result in sewer backup claims against your business. Keep dated training records for all staff, photograph grease trap pumping receipts, and maintain a visible posted schedule showing next maintenance date.

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