States / Arizona

Arizona grease trap requirements by city

In the US, grease trap rules are set mostly by the local sewer authority (city, sanitary district or utility) under its pretreatment or FOG ordinance, on top of the plumbing code your state or city has adopted. 6 Arizona programs tracked so far. Compare all cities.

Which rule applies to my restaurant?

Grease rules in Arizona are set by your local sewer authority (city, sanitary district or utility), not the state alone. Pick the city where your restaurant connects to the sewer.

City / utilityPumpingMinimum sizePermitSource
Chandlerβ€”β€”β€”official
FlagstaffAt least every 90 daysβ€”β€”official
GilbertAt least every 6 monthsβ€”β€”official
Phoenix
City of Phoenix Water Services Department
At least every 90 days; before grease + solids reach 25% of depth/capacityβ€”β€”official
Scottsdaleβ€”β€”β€”official
TucsonMonthly for small trapsβ€”β€”official

Arizona grease trap FAQ

What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?

In plumbing codes both are grease interceptors. A "grease trap" usually means a small hydromechanical unit under or near the sink, rated by flow (gallons per minute, e.g. 20–50 gpm) and sized with the PDI G-101 sink method. A "grease interceptor" usually means a large gravity tank, often in-ground outside, rated in gallons (commonly 500 gallons and up) and sized by drainage fixture units (UPC) or peak flow Γ— 30 minutes (IPC). Many cities require the gravity type for new restaurants; check your city page.

What is the 25% rule for grease traps?

Many city FOG ordinances require pumping before floating grease plus settled solids reach 25% of the trap or interceptor's liquid depth or capacity. Many pair it with a maximum interval (often 90 days for gravity interceptors). See which cities use it on the comparison table.

Who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining a grease trap?

In the city ordinances we track, the food service establishment (the owner or operator of the restaurant) is responsible for installing, maintaining and pumping its grease trap or interceptor, hiring an approved hauler where required, and keeping the pumping records on site. Check your lease for who pays, but the city holds the establishment responsible.

What are the fines for grease trap violations?

It depends on the city. Ordinances typically allow civil penalties per violation, often counted per day, plus charges for sewer blockages or overflows the restaurant causes. Cities with penalty amounts in their source are shown on each city page under "Fines & penalties".

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