Maintaining cleanliness and adhering to environmental regulations are vital aspects for any Australian business providing food service. Whether you are a restaurant, school, cafe or hotel, proper grease trap cleaning stands out as a critical responsibility that delivers significant benefits for your business, customers and the environment.
Keep reading to understand your responsibilities and how to follow them.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
The local water authority in each Australian region sets the frequency for grease trap cleaning based on where you are, the type and size of your grease trap and your business. You must follow the cleaning schedule mandated by the water authority and keep evidence of the work, or risk legal penalties.
Small grease traps need to be cleaned more often than large ones because they fill more quickly. Larger or busier businesses will have a more frequent cleaning schedule than smaller ones. Your particular schedule could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 4 or even 6 monthly. What’s important is that you know exactly when it is and stick to it.
PREVENT BLOCKAGES AND COSTLY REPAIRS
Grease traps are designed to trap and separate fats, oils and grease (FOG) from wastewater, preventing them from going down your drains and entering the sewer system. If not properly cleaned, grease traps become clogged, leading to blockages that cause backups, bad smells, and even damage to your infrastructure and the environment. Regular grease trap cleaning doesn’t only protect us all from contaminated wastewater, you also avoid costly repairs, downtime, fines and customer complaints.
PROMOTE HYGIENE AND FOOD SAFETY
Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is critical for businesses in the food service industry. Neglected grease traps become a breeding ground for bacteria, mould and other harmful microorganisms. These contaminants pose a significant risk to food safety and can lead to health code violations or, in worst-case scenarios, foodborne illnesses among your customers. Implementing a regular grease trap cleaning schedule ensures health and safety for everyone.
SUPPORT ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
When fats, oils and grease enter the sewer system, they can cause blockages in wastewater infrastructure, which creates significant adverse effects on local ecosystems. Regular cleaning minimises the strain on wastewater treatment facilities and promotes a sustainable approach to waste management.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR GREASE TRAP
Maintaining a clean and high-functioning grease trap is a vital responsibility for Australian businesses in the food industry to handle their fats, oils and grease wastewater. Prioritise the proper maintenance of your grease traps to protect yourself from legal and financial repercussions, while demonstrating your commitment to a safe and healthy environment for your customers and the wider community.
Self-Check for:
- Gaps, cracks or chips in the lid and walls
- Any signs of decay
- Rodent activity
- Grease trap dislodgement or slanting
- Strong smells with a closed lid
Professional Clean:
You must get a professional, licensed waste handler to clean out your grease trap according to your mandated schedule. Don’t wait for an emergency situation to occur. Keep your schedule pinned to your calendar and book your team well in advance. At Enwaste, we will work with your team to develop a grease trap cleaning schedule that ensures full compliance with all legislation.
Enwaste brings over 40 years of experience to your business as a trusted partner in your waste management obligations and goals. Fully licensed and EHP Approved, our grease trap cleaning team are available to remove build-ups, reduce your grease trap smell and effectively remove grease for recycling in EHP-licensed facilities. Get in touch with us today.
