Commercial FOG Compliance

Restaurants and food service establishments are essential to our community - but they are also major sources of Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.) in the sewer system.

Bremerton’s FOG Control Program ensures these operations manage FOG properly to protect our public infrastructure, prevent sewer backups, and comply with local laws.

Legal Requirements (BMC Chapter 15)

Under Bremerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.05.040, all commercial kitchens must follow these FOG control regulations.

Grease Interceptors Are Required

• Must be installed and properly sized to handle the kitchen’s grease output.
• Interceptors must be accessible, regularly cleaned, and properly maintained.

Read BMC Chapter 15.05.050: Sewer Use Regulations.

Maintenance & Inspection Guidelines

• Grease traps and interceptors must be cleaned regularly to prevent FOG accumulation.
• Keep a maintenance log (including cleaning frequency, who performed it, and disposal method).
• Establishments should have a cleaning schedule — every 30 to 90 days (time frame may vary) depending on usage.

Tip: Follow the “25% Rule” – if 25% or more of the trap’s contents is grease and solids, it’s time to clean.

Kitchen Staff Training

• Teach staff to scrape food waste into trash, not down the drain.
• Use sink strainers to catch solids before they enter plumbing.
• Post reminder signage near sinks and dish areas. Such as ‘hand wash only
• Explain BMP.

Maintenance Records

• Keep a FOG logbook for inspections.
• Include pump-out reports, cleaning dates, and invoices.
• Records must be available upon request by the City for inspection for up to 3 years.

Avoid Emulsifiers/grease removal chemicals

BMC state that the use of emulsifier are prohibited. While they may appear to remove grease by liquefying it and pushing it “out of your system,” the grease often re-solidifies downstream. This creates a higher risk of clogs and blockages. 

Examples:

• Simple Green
• Zep
• Drano
• Easy Off
• Ecolab
• and more

Cleaning Grease Traps

Most restaurants use a disposal companies to clean the traps or interceptors but for traps here are some do it yourself options: 

Scoop Method

1. Use a slotted spoon to remove the top layer of grease.
2. Use a putty knife (scraper) to remove sidewall buildup. 
3. Place the grease into a double-lined 6mil, sealed bag.
4. Fill bag with cat litter or another absorbent material.
5. Dispose of the sealed bag in your dumpster or trash bin. 

Vacuum Removal

1. Use a shop vacuum (some models are designed for 5-gallon buckets).
2. Vacuum out all grease and old liquid.
3. Follow the same disposal steps as above for the collected waste.
4. A drill pump is also a cleaner, easier and cheaper method. 

Optional Odor Control

To help control odor, mix 70% bleach and 30% water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the top layer of grease after cleaning to help reduce smells. This process will help remove some of the odor causing bacteria. 

Quick Reference for Business Owners

Questions?

Contact the Utilities Compliance Team:

Phone: 360-473-5920
Email: UtilitiesCompliance@ci.bremerton.gov