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Grease Collection and Disposal Process in Restaurants
- Most restaurants have collection bins for their fryer grease, stored behind their restaurant next to garbage containers.
- Grease is collected regularly for free, and restaurants receive a rebate check for the amount recycled.
- A grease recovery unit (GRU) is an automated waste system controlling grease build-up, typically installed under the sink.
- The difference between a grease trap and interceptor is the wastewater flow rate handled.
- Traps work with under 50 gallons per minute.
- To clean a restaurant grease trap, remove the oily film collecting food particles and solids causing blockages.
Proper Handling and Disposal of Used Cooking Oil
- Restaurants must dispose of used cooking oil properly to comply with regulations.
- Methods include collecting it for pickup by a licensed recycling company to be made into biofuels or animal feed.
- Grease traps also capture oil before entering the sewage system.
- Proper disposal not only protects the environment but prevents clogged pipes and costly plumbing issues.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Restaurant Equipment
- High volume restaurants may need to change oil weekly, but less often with quality filters and frequent filtration.
- Fryer filters should be changed daily in constant use environments.
- Most restaurants only need quarterly cleaning for hoods, but larger kitchens may need more frequent cleaning.
- After hood cleaning, inspection of all parts is essential – plenum, vent hood, fan blades, traps, and filters – each cleaned separately.
- Allowing grease to go down drains can still cause problems in sewer systems, leading to overflows, backups, and environmental and health hazards.
Proper Grease Trap Maintenance
- Installing grease traps hampers FOG entering drainage.
- Durable stainless steel traps are most effective.
- Get rid of grease trap problems with maintenance.
- Check traps daily to estimate grease production.
- Longer between cleanings means harder removal and higher costs.
- Clean in-house and dispose in designated bins, or use professional pumping services that haul it away.