Prepared by GreaseTrapLocator · Fact review: August 16, 2026
The NYC rule in plain language
New York City's rule covers non-residential discharge lines where fat, oil, or grease may be introduced and identifies covered food operations and specific exclusions. Do not turn that scope into a claim that every residence, pantry, school setting, or mobile operation follows the same requirement.
Where an interceptor or automatic grease-removal device is required, installation must be by a New York City Licensed Master Plumber. Sizing follows the City's aggregate-volume, flow-rate, grease-retention, and equipment-specific criteria rather than a generic online gallons table.
Clean before the 25% limit is exceeded
Routine cleaning and removal must keep accumulated fat, oil, grease, and solids from exceeding 25% of the total liquid depth the device was designed to hold. The City rule does not set one universal monthly, quarterly, or semiannual schedule. Inspect and service often enough to remain below the limit.
The equipment must remain accessible for maintenance and DEP inspection. The rule prohibits additives in an interceptor or automatic grease-removal device.
Keep yellow grease separate
Yellow grease, such as waste cooking oil, has a specific collection rule: use a carter holding a New York City Business Integrity Commission trade-waste removal license, receive written proof for each pickup, keep it on site for at least one year, and make it available to DEP on request.
Do not describe that yellow-grease proof as a universal legal manifest for every grease-interceptor service. Ask the service provider what documentation applies to the actual material and job.
Compare quotes and understand enforcement
NYC DEP does not publish a standard contractor price. As an editorial purchasing safeguard, compare written quotes describing the device, work included, access and scheduling assumptions, removed-material handling, documentation, exclusions, and total price.
DEP inspects covered facilities. Its public guidance states that the current maximum penalty for noncompliance is $10,000 per day, per violation. That is a maximum, not a prediction of the penalty for a particular case.
A practical facility checklist
- Use an NYC Licensed Master Plumber for installation.
- Maintain the device so FOG and solids never exceed 25% of designed total liquid depth.
- Keep the device accessible for maintenance and DEP inspection.
- Do not add additives to the interceptor or automatic grease-removal device.
- For yellow grease, use a BIC-licensed carter and retain written pickup proof on site for at least one year.
Frequently asked questions
When must a New York City grease interceptor be cleaned?
Clean and maintain it often enough that accumulated fat, oil, grease, and solids do not exceed 25% of the total liquid depth it was designed to hold. The City rule does not set one universal calendar schedule for every business.
Who may install a grease interceptor in NYC?
The City rule requires installation by a New York City Licensed Master Plumber, and the equipment must meet the rule's sizing and installation requirements.
What proof is required for NYC yellow-grease collection?
Use a carter with a Business Integrity Commission trade-waste removal license, receive written proof for each pickup, keep it on site for at least one year, and make it available to DEP on request.
Does NYC publish a standard grease-trap cleaning price?
No. DEP explains compliance requirements rather than contractor prices. Compare written quotes that clearly describe the equipment, work, site-access assumptions, documentation, and handling of removed material.
Official sources
- 15 RCNY section 19-11
- NYC DEP — Disposing of Grease as a Business
- NYC Business — Grease Interceptor Information
- NYC Business Integrity Commission — Carter Information
Fact-checked August 16, 2026. Local rules, permits, 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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