A plumbing device that captures fats, oils and grease from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer.
A plumbing device that captures fats, oils and grease from kitchen wastewater before it enters the sewer. A grease trap (or grease interceptor) is a chamber fitted into a commercial kitchen's wastewater plumbing that slows the flow of water so that fats, oils and grease float to the top and food solids sink to the bottom, while cleaner water passes on to the sewer. It stops greasy waste from building up in drains and public sewers, where it can cause blockages, odours and overflows. Grease traps are primarily an environmental and plumbing requirement set by local water authorities and councils rather than a specific clause of the food hygiene standards. However, they connect to food safety because Standard 3.2.3 requires premises to have adequate drainage and sewage disposal that will not contaminate food or the food area, and requires waste to be managed so it does not create a hazard or attract pests. A poorly maintained trap that overflows or smells can undermine both. Australian food businesses that generate greasy wastewater, such as restaurants, cafes and takeaways, are typically required by their local water authority to install a suitably sized grease trap and to have it pumped out and cleaned by a licensed waste contractor on a regular schedule set in a trade waste agreement. The frequency depends on the size of the trap and how much grease the kitchen produces. Alongside pump-outs, staff help the trap work by scraping plates and pans into the bin rather than washing large amounts of fat and food down the sink, and by using strainers over floor and sink drains. Keeping the trap and surrounding area clean prevents odours and pests. Records of servicing are usually kept to satisfy the water authority and to show the drainage system is being maintained. A busy fish-and-chip shop notices a bad smell and slow-draining sinks. The operator checks the grease trap service records and finds the last pump-out was overdue. She books the licensed contractor to empty and clean it, restoring proper drainage and removing the odour before it can attract pests or contaminate the food area.
Frequently asked questions
What does a grease trap do?
It slows kitchen wastewater so fats, oils and grease float and food solids settle, keeping them out of the sewer. This prevents blockages, overflows and odours in the drains and public sewer system.
Is a grease trap a food safety requirement?
It is mainly a trade-waste requirement set by local water authorities. It links to food safety through Standard 3.2.3, which requires adequate drainage and waste handling that will not contaminate food or attract pests, so a well-maintained trap supports both.
How often should a grease trap be cleaned?
As often as your trade waste agreement specifies, which depends on the trap size and how much grease your kitchen produces. A licensed waste contractor pumps out and cleans it; keep the service records as proof.
What happens if a grease trap is not maintained?
It can overflow, block drains, produce foul odours and attract pests, and may breach your trade waste agreement. An overflowing or smelly trap can also contaminate the food area, which is a hygiene concern under Standard 3.2.3.
How can staff reduce grease going into the trap?
Scrape plates, pans and fryers into the bin rather than washing fat and food scraps down the sink, and use strainers over sink and floor drains. Less grease reaching the trap means fewer blockages and longer intervals between pump-outs.
