Restaurants

Never dump grease down a storm drain!
Grease can collect in the sewer lines and create blockages that cause sewage spills into the storm drain system. Restaurants should:

  • Have a grease trap or interceptor installed.
  • Inspect grease traps and interceptors regularly for leaks and replace if necessary.
  • Regularly clean grease traps and regularly have grease interceptors pumped by a grease hauler.
  • Contract with a grease hauler to regularly service and empty your tallow bin.
  • Prevent grease from dripping or overflowing when transferring and emptying grease containers.
  • Container lids should fit securely to prevent access from vandals and animals.

Seal and Maintain Trash and Recycling Containers
Restaurant waste (trash, food, packaging, etc.) should be placed in sealed bags prior to disposing in restaurant dumpsters. Restaurants should also:

  • Keep lids on trash, recycling cans, and other outdoor containers.
  • Inspect all outdoor trash and recycling containers before it rains to make sure the lids are closed.
  • Regularly inspect dumpsters for leaks and for trash piling up around the dumpsters.
  • Minimize the amount of liquids disposed of in your dumpsters.

Control Outdoor Washing Activities
Wash all equipment indoors to ensure the wastewater is collected via floor drains or sinks. Wastewater from other outdoor activities MUST BE CONTAINED, recaptured, and disposed of into the sanitary sewer system. Examples of this include high pressure washing of storage or loading/unloading areas, and hose down of parking lots or sidewalks.

Sweep Sidewalks and Parking Lots
Restaurant parking lots and sidewalks should be swept regularly. Don’t wash down these areas with a hose or pressure washer unless the wash water is collected and discharged into the sanitary sewer.

Prevent Spills
It is always best to prevent spills, but be prepared when they occur:

  • Keep spill containment kits on hand in case of a spill.
  • Store kits in convenient locations, such as near dumpsters and unloading areas.
  • Clean up spills using rags or absorbents and dispose in the trash. Do not hose spills into the storm drain.
  • Teach employees the proper use of spill clean-up materials.
  • Report spills that discharge to a storm drain to your local stormwater hotline.

Oversee all Cleaning Service Contractors
Make sure that any contractors you hire to clean mats, hood vents, etc., don’t wash down materials and equipment outside unless all their wash water is collected and discharged to the sanitary sewer.

  • Prohibit contractors from pouring anything down the storm drain.
  • Require cleaning of floor mats, exhaust filters, garbage cans, carts, or tray racks in an area
    which drains to a grease trap/interceptor, and finally to the sanitary sewer.
  • Wash water that contains soap, bleach, or disinfectants in it should be discharged to a mop sink or to the sanitary sewer.
  • Prevent grease from dripping or overflowing when transferring and emptying grease containers.
  • Container lids should fit securely to prevent access from vandals and animals.
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