Food-truck grease requirements depend on the unit, menu, wastewater system, commissary arrangement, disposal location, and current state and local rules. There is no single North American onboard-trap rule or service schedule.
Map the mobile operation
Document onboard sinks and cooking equipment, fresh- and wastewater tanks, used-oil storage, cleaning location, commissary or alternative facility, event connections, and every planned disposal point. The authority needs the actual setup—not just the label “food truck.”
Current official examples
- Florida: the state mobile-food guide describes when a commissary may not be required and requires an approved commercial/non-residential location for water and wastewater services.
- Texas: Texas DSHS now publishes statewide mobile-food-vendor requirements, with some operations eligible to function without a central preparation facility. Applicable local law still matters.
- Austin: Austin Water publishes a specific mobile-food wastewater-disposal page.
- Portland: the city publishes connection requirements for food-cart pods.
These examples are not interchangeable. Use the current instructions for every jurisdiction in which the truck operates.
Operating checklist
- Keep used cooking oil in the designated secure container; do not pour it into wastewater tanks, sinks, storm drains, or grease equipment.
- Capture food solids before washing and minimize greasy wash water at the source.
- Use only approved water supply, wastewater storage, connection, transport, and disposal locations.
- Keep the records required by the applicable mobile-food and wastewater programs.
- Recheck rules before entering a new city, state, event, pod, or commissary arrangement.
Equipment and disposal decisions
If the authority requires grease-control equipment, use its approved sizing method and the actual fixtures and flows. Do not rely on generic portable-unit capacities or prices without current model specifications and local acceptance. A commissary may be required, optional, or replaceable by another approved arrangement depending on the program.
Penalties and permit consequences also vary. Read the current enforcement provisions for the authority rather than relying on a typical national fine or sequence.
Related GTL guides
Frequently asked questions
Does every food truck need an onboard grease trap?
No universal rule was found. The authority may require an approved device or disposal arrangement based on the truck's fixtures, menu, wastewater, and connection. Submit the actual setup for review.
Must every food truck use a commissary?
No. Requirements differ. Florida and Texas both describe circumstances in which a unit may operate without a traditional commissary or central preparation facility, subject to their stated conditions.
Where can a food truck dispose of wastewater?
Only at a location and by a method accepted by the applicable authority. Do not use a storm drain, street, or unapproved ground discharge. Keep proof when the program requires it.
Can one approval be used in every city?
Do not assume so. State and local licensing, event, health, plumbing, sewer, and disposal requirements can differ. Verify each operating area.
General information only: This page is not legal, engineering, plumbing, environmental, health, or safety advice.
Official sources
- Florida DBPR — Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle guide
- Texas DSHS — Mobile food vendors
- Austin Water — Mobile food vendors wastewater disposal
- City of Portland — Connect a food cart pod
- U.S. EPA — Controlling FOG Discharges from Food Service Establishments
Fact-checked August 14, 2026. Government guidance and local rules can change; recheck the authority serving the facility before relying on any requirement.
Author: Grease Trap Locator Editorial Team
The Grease Trap Locator editorial team covers FOG compliance, grease trap maintenance, and commercial kitchen regulations across the US and Canada. Our guides are written for restaurant owners, facility managers, and food service operators who need practical, accurate information without the fluff.
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