Grease Trap Regulations in Arizona

Overview

If you run a restaurant in Arizona, you must follow FOG (fats, oils, and grease) rules. These rules come from both the state and your city.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) handles state and federal water quality programs. It also runs some federal programs passed down from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
But most FOG enforcement happens at the city level. Local water and sewer departments in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Tempe, and Chandler do the inspections and issue the fines.

Governing Authorities

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) was set up in 1987. It runs state environmental laws and water quality programs.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave ADEQ the lead on water quality rules. ADEQ then issues wastewater discharge permits to cities. Those permits let cities release treated water within set limits.

Day-to-day FOG enforcement happens at the city level through local pretreatment programs:

• Phoenix Water Services Department Environmental Services Division:
  Protects the city sewer system through the Commercial Inspection Program. Staff teach and inspect commercial users to confirm they follow Phoenix City Code Chapter 28.
• Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD):
  Runs the county sewer system and enforces the Industrial Wastewater Ordinance (Ordinance 2013-32, §13.36.400, Article XIV, Grease Management Program).
• City of Mesa Environmental Management and Sustainability Department: Enforces FOG rules for food service establishments inside Mesa city limits.
• City of Tempe Public Works Water Division:
  Requires every food service establishment to install an indoor grease trap or an outdoor grease interceptor under Tempe City Code, Sec. 27-22.
• City of Chandler Water Quality Division:
  Requires food service establishments that prepare or package food or drinks to install FOG treatment devices under Chandler City Code.

Key Requirements

Arizona FOG rules ask food service establishments to do three things. Install the right grease device. Clean it on schedule. Keep good records. The exact rules differ by city, but most follow the same standards.

Interceptor Installation and Sizing

• Phoenix requires gravity interceptors at food service establishments that capture FOG to be fully pumped out and cleaned at least once every three months. A variance can extend this.
• Tempe requires grease traps (minimum 50gpm/100lb capacity) when there are four or fewer kitchen fixtures connected to the grease waste line.
• Tempe requires grease interceptors (minimum 500 gallon capacity, maximum 2,500 gallons) when there are more than four fixtures or when the kitchen uses a commercial dishwasher.
• Pima County requires gravity grease interceptors of at least 300 gallons when more than four fixtures are present. Hydromechanical units must be rated for at least twenty-five gallons per minute with fifty pound grease retention capacity.

Cleaning and Maintenance Frequency

• Gravity interceptors must be cleaned when combined grease, oil, sand, sludge, and solids reach 25 percent of total liquid volume capacity.
• Hydromechanical interceptors must be fully pumped out and cleaned at least once every 30 days. A variance can extend this.
• Mesa requires grease traps to be cleaned when FOG and solids reach 25% of the device's capacity, or at least every 90 days, whichever comes first.
• Tempe requires grease traps to be serviced monthly. Grease interceptors must be serviced quarterly. A non-hazardous liquid waste hauler must do the work.
• Pima County requires gravity grease interceptors to be pumped in full at least every six months, or when FOG and solids reach twenty-five percent of capacity.

Record-Keeping and Documentation

• Users must keep records of all cleaning, waste volume removed, device capacity, waste disposal, repair, replacement, and maintenance. These records must stay at the facility for at least three years.
• Chandler requires FOG treatment device records to be kept on site for 3 years. This covers pumping, cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.
• Mesa facilities must keep detailed cleaning and maintenance records for at least three years. Inspectors can ask to see them at any time.
• Records must list who did the work (a licensed waste hauler), what was done, and where the waste was dumped.

Prohibited Practices

• You cannot use chemicals, enzymes, proteins, bacteria, grease solvents, emulsifiers, or similar products to dissolve FOG in place of physical cleaning.
• Removed interceptor contents must be disposed of legally. They cannot be poured back into the interceptor or sewer system.
• Tempe bans garbage disposals and food grinders in food service establishments.

Fines and Enforcement

Arizona cities enforce FOG rules through inspections, compliance schedules, and fines. Penalty amounts depend on the city:

• Mesa fines run from $100 to $2,500 per day. The city can also pull your permit or shut your business down for serious or repeat violations.
• Phoenix fines can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars. The city may also force facility upgrades or shut a business down in severe cases.
• For serious or repeat violations, a city may revoke your Industrial User Permit. If FOG from your facility blocks a sewer, you can be billed for all cleanup, repairs, and damages.

Cities use these enforcement tools:

• Phoenix runs random inspections. Inspectors must get same-day access to your grease trap and your records.
• Tempe runs routine inspections to check that businesses meet the rules and protect public health.
• Mesa runs both scheduled and surprise inspections to confirm proper maintenance.
• Notices of violation, compliance deadlines, and required corrective action timelines.

Major City FOG Programs

Phoenix

The Phoenix Commercial Inspection Program protects the city sewer system. Staff teach and inspect commercial users to confirm they follow Phoenix City Code Chapter 28.
Hydromechanical grease interceptors are allowed in Phoenix for food service establishments with up to four plumbing fixtures.
Gravity interceptors at food service establishments must be pumped and cleaned at least once every three months.
Hydromechanical units need monthly service.
City code says maintenance records must be kept on site for three years.

Tucson/Pima County

Pima County's Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) enforces the Industrial Wastewater Ordinance (Ordinance 2013-32, §13.36.400, Article XIV, Grease Management Program). Staff teach restaurant owners, nursing homes, hospitals, laundries, and dry cleaners how to size, install, and maintain grease interceptors.
Hydromechanical grease interceptors are allowed when there are four or fewer fixtures. They must be rated for at least twenty-five gallons per minute with fifty pound grease retention capacity.
Gravity grease interceptors are usually required when a facility has more than four fixtures or uses dishwashers or food waste disposal units. The minimum size is 300 gallons.
Cleaning is required at least every six months, or when buildup reaches 25% of capacity.

Mesa

Mesa enforces strict grease trap rules. The city requires regular cleaning and clear records.
Grease traps must be cleaned when FOG and food solids reach 25% of the device's capacity, or at least every 90 days, whichever comes first.
Facilities must keep detailed cleaning and maintenance records for at least three years. Inspectors can ask to see them.
Penalties for non-compliance run from $100 to $2,500 per day. The city can pull your permit or shut you down for serious or repeat violations.

Tempe

Under Tempe City Code, Sec. 27-22, every food service establishment must install an indoor grease trap or an outdoor grease interceptor.
Grease traps are allowed when there are four or fewer kitchen fixtures connected to the grease waste line.
Grease interceptors are required when there are more than four fixtures, or when the kitchen uses a commercial dishwasher.
Grease traps need monthly service from a non-hazardous liquid waste hauler. Grease interceptors need quarterly service.
Devices must be serviced by a permitted hauler every 30 or 90 days, depending on size. All pump-out records must be kept on site and ready for review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must my grease trap or interceptor be cleaned in Arizona?

It depends on your city and your device. Most Arizona cities require cleaning when FOG and solids reach 25% of capacity. For specific timelines: hydromechanical grease traps usually need cleaning every 30 days. Gravity grease interceptors usually need cleaning every 90 days in Phoenix and Mesa. In Pima County, the timeline is every six months. High-volume kitchens may need more frequent service. Always check your local rules. Watch your device so it does not pass the 25% mark.

What records must I maintain for grease trap compliance?

Arizona cities all require food service establishments to keep records for at least three years. Your records must include the dates of all cleaning and pumping, the volume of waste removed, the device capacity, the name and license of the hauler or service provider, the type of work done (pumping, repair, inspection), and proof of proper disposal with the disposal facility name, address, and quantity received. Records must stay on site at your facility. Inspectors can ask to see them at any time. Missing records can lead to violations even if your device is well maintained.

Can I use enzymes or chemical additives to reduce grease trap cleaning frequency?

No. Arizona cities ban the use of chemicals, enzymes, proteins, bacteria, grease solvents, or emulsifiers meant to dissolve FOG in place of physical cleaning. Phoenix City Code bans these products. Chandler City Code also bans them as a way to skip pumping. These products do not remove grease. They just break it into smaller pieces that pass through the interceptor and can clog the city sewer downstream. Only physical pumping and proper disposal at licensed facilities are allowed. Breaking this rule can lead to large fines and enforcement action.

Find Grease Trap Service in Arizona

Staying compliant with Arizona's FOG rules takes a qualified, licensed service provider who knows the state and city rules. Our directory currently lists 49 grease trap service providers across Arizona. They cover the Phoenix metro area, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, and beyond. These pros offer scheduled maintenance, emergency cleaning, proper waste disposal records, and know-how on your local rules. Visit our Arizona grease trap service directory to find licensed providers near you and stay clear of costly violations.