Commercial FOG Program

What is FOG?

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) refers to cooking by-products discharged in wastewater.  Restaurants and other commercial food service establishments (FSEs) often produce a high volume of FOG.  Over time, FOG sticks to sewer lines and becomes a leading cause of blockages in sewer lines, clogs in restaurant drain lines, and creates both human and environmental health risks. 

The control of grease blockages is a high priority for the Environmental Protection Division. In accordance with the federal and state regulations regarding the disposal of FOG, Athens-Clarke County (ACC) manages a commercial FOG control program.    

How can I contain my fats, oils, and grease for proper disposal?

The installation of a grease trap provides restaurants and FSEs with a receptacle for trapping FOG mixed in the water flowing through the drains. The minimum size required for a commercial kitchen grease trap is 1,500 gallons. View a commercial grease trap diagram

Grease Trap Maintenance

The current ACC Sewer Use Ordinance requires grease traps be installed, cleaned, and maintained as necessary. Additional requirements in the ordinance includes:

  • Schedules for pumping and maintaining grease traps and oil separators,
  • A manifest program to track the removal and disposal of the waste by pumpers, and
  • Monetary penalties for non-compliance.
Grease transporters of commercial FOG must be approved by Athens-Clarke County.  Please visit the list of approved FOG transporters.

For more information, contact:

Mitch Moore
ACC FOG Inspector
706-613-3526
mitch.moore@accgov.com

Commercial Grease Trap Diagram

grease interceptor diagram