Memphis Food Waste & Grease Disposal Requirements for Restaurants

Memphis & Shelby County Health Department Requirements

The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department enforces local food service regulations through the Tennessee Public Chapter 1050 standards and local ordinances. All food service establishments must implement a documented waste disposal plan that includes proper handling of food scraps, grease, and liquid waste. Grease traps are mandatory for establishments that generate significant cooking oil and animal fats—typically those with fryers, griddles, or charbroilers. Grease must be separated from wastewater before it enters municipal sewer lines, with facilities required to maintain records of trap cleaning and maintenance performed by licensed waste removal contractors.

Tennessee State Food Service Regulations

Tennessee Department of Health and Environment aligns with the FDA Food Code but maintains stricter requirements in specific areas. Food waste cannot be disposed of through grinder systems into public sewers without pre-treatment and written approval from the local water authority. Compostable waste must be stored in covered, pest-proof containers and removed at least weekly or more frequently if conditions warrant. Liquid waste from cooking operations—including oil, grease, and brines—must be containerized separately and disposed of through licensed waste contractors. Tennessee requires facilities to maintain 12 months of waste disposal documentation during inspections.

How Memphis Requirements Differ from Federal Standards

While the EPA and federal Clean Water Act set national baseline standards for grease and waste disposal, Memphis enforces more frequent monitoring and stricter separation protocols than federal minimums. Federal standards allow some flexibility in trap maintenance schedules based on establishment size, but Memphis requires written maintenance contracts and documented cleanings regardless of volume. The city also mandates pre-treatment of all animal-derived fats before discharge, whereas federal regulations allow some variance by state. Memphis's municipal sewer system—operated by Memphis Light, Gas and Water—has specific local discharge limits that exceed EPA minimums, making it critical for restaurants to understand local rather than solely federal compliance.

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