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Grease trap or interceptor cleaning
According to the Ontario Building Code, grease traps or interceptors are required in any business that cooks, processes or prepares food. They must be sized properly, installed and maintained as set out under the CSA standard – Maintenance of Grease Interceptors.
Check the grease trap once a week.
If you clean the trap/interceptor yourself, follow the owner’s manual. Scoop out solid grease and place in your green cart or garbage. Place liquid grease in a sealed container and arrange for a licensed and certified contractor to pick it up for disposal.
Keep records of all cleaning, whether you do it yourself or use a certified and licenced waste removal company.
Keep containers closed and away from storm drains. If grease or oil spills near a storm drain, report it immediately, apply a dry oil absorbent material and put it in the garbage.
Train employees on how to dispose of fats, oils and grease properly.
Why it’s important to prevent clogs and spills
A sewer blockage caused by grease, oil, food and debris can cause raw sewage to backup into your business, neighbouring businesses, streets, parks and bodies of water, putting people, property and wildlife at risk.
Cleanup is unpleasant, expensive, and the business or building owner is usually responsible for covering the costs.
In addition to cleanup costs, a business may be fined up to $100,000 under Guelph’s Sewer Use Bylaw.
A Public Health Inspector may require affected businesses to close until it is safe to use water again.
Other ways to prevent plumbing problems
Place screens over drains and never put food, grease or oil down drains or toilets.
Scrape or wipe solid grease and food scraps into the green (organic waste) cart or garbage.