It is a well-known fact that food service establishments such as bakeries, restaurants and supermarkets must adopt certain practices when addressing the proper disposal of grease to biodiesel refineries in order to convert this waste material into a usable product. Certain measures are put into practice to prevent the spilling of this substance into municipal sewage systems which could in turn pollute waterways.

The owners of vacuum trucks have become involved in the hauling of this cooking byproduct so that these processed fats and oils are properly removed and transported to treatment facilities for further processing. So keeping the environment safe and healthy necessitates the use vacuum trucks.

The Increasing Grease Predicament

Without a law to regulate the disposal of grease or used cooking oil, restaurants and cooking facilities could improperly dispose of these materials into the sewer system. If allowed to continue, sewer lines would eventually clog up and sewage would back up into residences located nearby. In addition, the septic waste could run into storm drains and from there into rivers, lakes and streams, creating environmental and health problems. This result could adversely affect an entire community.

The Solution – Grease Traps

Food service facilities, restaurants and some residences are required to set up grease traps which are devices that remove this cooking byproduct. Instead of disposing of this substance directly into the sewage system, this device is installed to segregate the oil from solid materials and wastewater. Fats and solid materials remain in the trap while the treated wastewater runs through into the local sewage system. The minimum capacity of this device is 750 gallons according to the regulations of the Grease and Oil Control Program. All food facilities should know about the importance of adequate maintenance and installation of their grease traps and ensure that this problem is properly handled.

The Disposal - Vacuum Trucks

When food facilities are using oil removal devices to prevent materials from going directly into the sewage system, management must be sure that the device is properly maintained and regularly serviced at least 4 times a year, depending on the usage and the size of the trap. It is strongly suggested that restaurants and food facilities contact grease haulers to vacuum this cooking byproduct that has accumulated in the trap and dispose of it by way of treatment facilities. It is imperative that these devices be frequently cleaned to avoid fats and oils from escaping from the device and inadvertently entering a sewer or storm drain system.

Fats, oils and greases that are pumped from the trap are transported to a treatment facility or a biodiesel refinery. They are processed and refined to become bio-fuel or converted into animal feed. All transporting must be done by a licensed liquid waste hauling company. They need a certificate of registration from the Department of Food and Agriculture to allow them to perform this vital function.

The disposal of cooking byproducts into sewer systems and storm drains cause public and environmental health concerns. Instead of clogging the sewer lines, why not vacuum the grease away and prevent a slimy contamination nightmare!