FOG NYC Admin Code §24-521 · DEP Grease Program Active — ongoing enforcement
Grease Trap Maintenance Requirements
All food service establishments with grease-producing operations must maintain a properly functioning grease interceptor or trap. DEP requires cleaning manifests from a DEP-licensed pumper to be physically kept on-site for a minimum of 3 years. Failure to produce records during an inspection is itself a violation — even if the trap was cleaned.
The record is the compliance. A clean grease trap with no paperwork is a violation. Keep physical copies of all manifests in a binder on-site — not just in email or in the cloud.
$10,000+
Fine for grease discharged to sewer
$5,000
Max fine for records not on-site
3
Years of manifests required on-site
Required Cleaning Frequency
Grease Trap Cleaning Frequency by Operation Type
Source: NYC DEP FOG Control Program · Admin Code §24-521
DEP inspectors may require more frequent cleaning if the trap fills faster than the schedule allows. The 25% rule: traps must be cleaned before accumulated grease and solids exceed 25% of the total liquid depth.
Fine Schedule
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain grease trap / no trap installed | $1,000–$10,000 |
| Pumping manifests not physically on-site during inspection | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Using a pumper not licensed by DEP | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Grease discharged to sewer / floor drain | $10,000+ and sewer cutoff |
| Food waste liquefier discharging to sewer (prohibited since Sep 2021) | DEP order + fines |
How to Comply
- 1Hire a DEP-licensed pumper. Verify the license number before hiring. DEP maintains a list of licensed pumpers. Never use an unlicensed service regardless of price.
- 2Get a manifest for every service. The manifest must show the date, volume pumped, pumper company, and license number. Get a physical copy every time.
- 3Keep a 3-year binder on-site. Label it clearly — "Grease Trap Service Records." Keep it in your office or kitchen, not off-site. DEP inspectors will ask for it.
- 4Never pour grease down any drain. Used cooking oil must be collected by a licensed IKG hauler separately from grease trap service. Pouring any fats, oils, or grease into floor drains or sinks triggers DEP violations.
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