Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 16, 2026
Start with Austin's local maintenance rule
Austin Water says a grease trap must be completely emptied and cleaned by a City-permitted liquid-waste hauler at least once every three months. Act sooner when grease and solids in the final compartment reach 50% or more of wetted height. Austin measures wetted height from the bottom of the trap to the invert of the outlet pipe. The earlier trigger controls.
Do not convert this into a national schedule or substitute a threshold from another city. Ask the service provider to document periodic grease and sludge measurements and keep the local rule with the facility records.
Keep the hauling and record trail together
Austin says grease-trap waste may be removed and transported only by a liquid-waste hauler holding a valid City permit. Its guidance also points to Texas credentials and an approved receiving station. TCEQ says only registered transporters may legally pump and transport grease-trap waste.
Keep each completed manifest on site for three years. Review the transporter, service date, amount, and receiving-facility information before filing it.
Get approval before buying or changing equipment
Austin Water directs businesses not to purchase a grease trap or interceptor before receiving building-plan approval and an Industrial Waste approval letter specifying the project's required size and design. Devices below 100 gallons of liquid-holding capacity will not be approved for installation. The City applies its published criteria and project-specific review; a generic web table is not a substitute.
Austin also says a change in food type or service operations can cause staff to reassess whether an interceptor is needed. Submit the actual plans and equipment information rather than assuming an existing approval covers a changed kitchen.
A practical facility checklist
- Track the earlier of three months or the final-compartment 50% condition.
- Use a hauler with the required City permit and TCEQ registration.
- Keep each completed manifest on site for three years.
- Confirm receiving-station and disposal information before filing the trip ticket.
- Obtain Austin plan approval and the Industrial Waste approval letter before buying or replacing equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Austin's cleaning rule?
Complete emptying and cleaning at least every three months, or sooner when grease and solids in the final compartment reach 50% or more of wetted height, measured from the bottom to the outlet-pipe invert.
Can another city's threshold be used in Austin?
No. Use Austin Water's local requirement for the facility.
What records should be kept?
Keep the completed manifest on site for three years, together with the service date and any written Austin direction.
What should happen before an equipment change?
Obtain the required plan approval and Industrial Waste approval letter before buying a device; submit changed food or service operations for review when applicable.
Official sources
- Austin Water — Grease Trap Maintenance
- Austin Water — Pretreatment Requirements and Resources
- Austin Water — Grease Trap Sizing & Design Criteria
- TCEQ — Information for Generators of Municipal Liquid Waste
Fact-checked August 16, 2026. Local rules and official guidance can change; confirm the current direction for the service address. General information only, not legal, plumbing, engineering, environmental, health, or safety advice.
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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