Chicago, IL grease trap & interceptor requirements
Program run by City of Chicago (Plumbing Code 18-29) & Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. Hand-checked against source Last checked 2026-10-17. Report an error / rule changed
Quick answer
- How often to pump: not stated in the sources we checked
- Interceptor minimum / sizing: Sized by peak flow Ă— retention time
- Permit / fees: not stated in the sources we checked
Rules change; verify with your city. Summaries are plain-English restatements of the official source linked below; “Source says” shows the exact wording. Blank rows mean the sources we checked did not state that rule, not that there is no rule.
| Required trap / interceptor type | Chicago Plumbing Code 18-29-1003.3.1 requires grease interceptors or automatic grease removal devices for commercial food preparation areas. âś“ checked against source |
|---|---|
| Sizing rule | Gravity grease interceptor capacity = peak drain flow into the interceptor (gpm) Ă— retention time (Chicago Code 18-29-1003.3). âś“ checked against source |
| Pumping / cleaning frequency | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit required? | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Permit & program fees | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Inspections | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Record keeping | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Pumper / hauler approval | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Reporting portal | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Fines & penalties | Not stated in the sources we checked |
| Program contact | (312) 751-5600 |
Sources
- https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2692636 · checked 2026-10-17
- https://mwrd.org/sites/default/files/documents/Sewage_and_Waste_Control_Ordinance.pdf · checked 2026-10-17
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