Grease Trap Regulations in Indiana

Overview

Indiana food service businesses must follow fats, oils, and grease (FOG) rules. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) oversees these rules at the state level. Grease trap design and install must follow the Indiana Plumbing Code (675 IAC 16-1.4-1).

Most enforcement happens at the city level. Local sewer utilities run pretreatment programs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and IDEM require these programs. They protect city sewers and rivers from grease damage.

Governing Authorities

IDEM is the state agency that protects the environment and public health. It oversees wastewater pretreatment across Indiana. But day-to-day permits and enforcement go to local utilities. These utilities act as Control Authorities.

Major city enforcers include:

• Citizens Energy Group (Indianapolis) — Provides water, sewer, gas, and thermal service to the Indianapolis area. Enforces FOG rules through its sewer division.
• Fort Wayne City Utilities — Runs the City Utilities Grease Cooperative (CUGC). Members get bundled pricing and service through one program.
• Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) — Runs FOG inspections. Reviews cleaning logs and hauler manifests to confirm proper pumping.
• Muncie Sanitary District — Runs a federal pretreatment program through EPA and IDEM. Protects Muncie's Water Pollution Control Facility.

Local health departments also check grease traps during food safety inspections.

Key Requirements

Indiana FOG rules mix state plumbing code with local utility standards.

Interceptor Installation

• Every existing, new, or remodeled food service business must install an approved grease interceptor that follows the Indiana Plumbing Code.
• Grease traps are required for all restaurants and food prep services. They must meet local utility FOG manuals.
• Traps must be installed and kept up so no grease enters public sewers. All traps must meet city rules for build, location, and install.

Cleaning Frequency

• Most local rules say to clean when grease hits 25% of trap capacity.
• Fort Wayne sets cleaning schedules of 30, 60, or 90 days based on business type.
• Evansville can require more pumping if traps are too small. The city issues violation notices for traps not serviced at least every 90 days.
• Indianapolis and other big cities require cleaning every 30 to 90 days based on trap size and use.

Record-Keeping

• Food businesses must keep a log of every cleaning and pumping.
• Cleaning logs, trip tickets, or manifests must reach utility offices within 14 days when asked.
• Keep records for three years. Show them during inspections.
• IDEM oversees rules for removal, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal of grease waste.

Fines and Enforcement

Penalties for FOG violations vary by city.

• Some Indiana utilities charge fines of $100 or $200. They may also require a compliance plan and a properly sized outdoor trap.
• Fort Wayne and Allen County set limits on grease in wastewater. Fines can top $1,000 if discharges break city rules.
• Vanderburgh County and Evansville set fines from $100 to $2,500 per violation unless other rules apply.
• Violations can lead to closure orders, large fines, and permit loss.
• Repeat issues can shut down a business until it meets the rules.

Enforcement tools include routine inspections, compliance orders, fines, cleanup cost recovery for sewer blockages, and shut-off of water and sewer service for repeat violations.

Major City FOG Programs

Indianapolis (Citizens Energy Group)

Citizens Energy Group provides water, sewer, gas, and thermal service to the Indianapolis area. Food businesses must install and maintain grease traps sized to the Indiana Plumbing Code. Indiana health and safety code requires these traps to keep grease out of city water. Local officials watch them closely. Most kitchens clean every 30 to 90 days based on trap size and volume. Service manifests must be saved for three years and shown during inspections.

Fort Wayne (City Utilities)

Fort Wayne City Utilities runs the City Utilities Grease Cooperative (CUGC). The program sets pricing and service for member food businesses. Members do not have to schedule cleanings on their own. Joining the program helps owners avoid fines and reduce risk. Fort Wayne still requires that no grease reach public sewers. The cooperative is a public-private partnership for FOG management.

Evansville (Water and Sewer Utility)

Evansville Water & Sewer Utility (EWSU) runs a detailed FOG Policy. The policy guides selection, sizing, build, and upkeep of grease removal systems for food businesses that may break Evansville Municipal Code 13.05.090. FOG inspectors run random checks. They review cleaning logs and hauler manifests. They also check kitchens to measure grease and solids. Grease traps are required for all restaurants and food prep services. They must meet or beat the FOG Removal Systems manual. Traps must be cleaned at least every 90 days or when grease hits 25% of capacity.

Muncie (Muncie Sanitary District)

The Muncie Sanitary District's Bureau of Water Quality runs a federal pretreatment program. The program follows EPA and IDEM rules to protect the Muncie Water Pollution Control Facility and the White River. The Bureau is the local Control Authority. It makes sure local industries follow EPA, IDEM, and Muncie's pretreatment ordinance. It can issue orders, fines, and service shut-offs. Food businesses must install proper grease traps and keep service records to prove they meet cleaning rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must I clean my grease trap in Indiana?

Cleaning timing depends on your local utility and your trap size. Most Indiana cities require cleaning when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's liquid depth. That usually means service every 30 to 90 days. Busy kitchens may need monthly service. Smaller spots may qualify for quarterly cleaning. Your utility can give you exact rules based on your business type and trap size.

What records must I keep for grease trap maintenance?

Indiana food businesses must keep a grease trap log. The log should show each cleaning date, the service company name and license, waste volumes removed, and disposal site. You must also keep all hauler manifests or trip tickets. Hold these records for three years. Show them right away when a health or utility inspector asks. Missing records can cause violations even if your trap works fine.

Can I be fined if my grease trap causes a sewer backup?

Yes. If a sewer block or overflow comes from grease at your business, you may owe cleanup costs. Fines run from $100 to $2,500 per violation depending on your city. You may also lose your permit or face a shut-down. Some Indiana utilities can charge daily fines until you fix the issue. You may need a bigger trap, more frequent cleaning, or a written compliance plan. Proper upkeep and the 25% rule cut this risk a lot.

Find Grease Trap Service in Indiana

Our Indiana directory lists 22 certified grease trap service providers across the state. These licensed haulers offer routine cleaning, emergency service, compliance records, and proper disposal. They help your business meet state and local FOG rules. Whether you run a kitchen in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, or a smaller town, a qualified provider keeps your trap working and compliant. Visit our Indiana grease trap service directory to find licensed providers in your area and request quotes.