Grease Trap Regulations in British Columbia

Overview

Most grease trap rules in British Columbia come from Metro Vancouver's Food Sector Grease Interceptor Bylaw 365. It was enacted in 2023, replacing Bylaw 268. The bylaw requires commercial kitchens to install and maintain grease interceptors. FOG damage costs Metro Vancouver more than $2.7 million each year. Provincial rules also require food service sites to hold a health permit and manage grease properly.

Governing Authorities

Federal layer. BC's FOG rules sit under two federal laws. The Fisheries Act, R.S.C. 1985 c. F-14 §36(3) bans dumping harmful substances into fish-bearing waters. The Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (SOR/2012-139) set national effluent standards. Equipment must meet CSA B481. This is the Canadian grease-interceptor design standard. It is harmonized with ASME A112.14.3:2022.

Several layers of government regulate FOG in BC:

• Metro Vancouver: Enforces Food Sector Grease Interceptor Bylaw 365 (2023, replacing Bylaw 268) across 21 cities — including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Richmond. The bylaw draws its authority from the Environmental Management Act (EMA), S.B.C. 2003, c. 53 and the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Act.
• Capital Regional District (CRD): Runs Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922. It includes a code of practice for food service operators in the Victoria region.
• BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy: Provides provincial oversight under the Environmental Management Act.
• Regional Health Authorities: Issue health permits. They require commercial kitchens with FOG in their wastewater to install and maintain a grease interceptor.
• Municipal Governments: Cities enforce their own sewer bylaws and run local inspections.

Key Requirements

All food sector sites must install a correctly sized grease interceptor. This covers restaurants, fast-food outlets, cafeterias, hospitals, bars, grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, and butcher shops. Pump when FOG and solids reach 25% of the total liquid depth. Also pump every 90 days — whichever comes first.

Interceptor Specifications

• Discharge must not exceed 150 mg/L of grease and 600 mg/L of solids, per Vancouver Sewer and Watercourse By-law No. 5320, §2.2.1.
• Size the unit using Metro Vancouver's online sizing tool or another approved method.
• Every food prep fixture that produces FOG must connect to the interceptor.
• Enzymes or agents that let grease pass through are not allowed, per Bylaw 365.

Record-Keeping Requirements

• Keep records of all cleanouts and maintenance. Two years of records must be on site.
• Keep paperwork from your service provider: cleanout dates, FOG levels, and disposal locations.
• Have someone on site who can open the interceptor for an inspector.

Maintenance Standards

• Pump-outs must be done by certified haulers.
• The hauler must check all parts that affect operation during the service.
• Undersized units may need more frequent cleaning. Enforcement officers set the minimum until a proper unit is in place.

Fines and Enforcement

Metro Vancouver enforces Bylaw 365 with these penalties:

• Up to $500 per violation for non-compliance.
• A $500 re-inspection fee for sites that fail an inspection and need a follow-up.
• A $300 water sampling fee when effluent testing is needed.

Metro Vancouver's Liquid Waste Regulatory Program inspects at least 350 food service sites each year. Officers can check interceptors and records without notice. The CRD also inspects sites and can require corrective action.

Major City FOG Programs

Vancouver

Vancouver follows Metro Vancouver's Food Sector Grease Interceptor Bylaw 365. It covers all kitchens that produce FOG. Vancouver has roughly 14,000 food service businesses under the rule. The city also enforces Sewer and Watercourse By-law No. 5320. That bylaw sets local discharge limits, including the 150 mg/L grease cap. Metro Vancouver offers a sizing tool and plan review to help.

Surrey

Surrey is BC's second-largest city. It falls under Metro Vancouver for grease trap rules. Operators must pump when FOG reaches 25% of liquid depth or every 90 days — whichever is first. Surrey has seen active enforcement. Inspectors run regular checks. The growing restaurant sector has led to more FOG outreach.

Burnaby

Burnaby hosts Metro Vancouver's main office at Metrotower III. It follows Bylaw 365 like the rest of the region. Burnaby enforces grease effluent limits across all food sector sites. The focus is on Kingsway and Metrotown.

Victoria (Capital Regional District)

Victoria and the rest of the Capital Regional District follow CRD Sewer Use Bylaw No. 2922. Schedule I outlines the Code of Practice for Food Services. Clean often enough to keep FOG and solids below 25% of the wetted height. Keep maintenance receipts for at least 2 years. Victoria's program has a hauler directory and source control officers. Email [email protected] for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must I clean my grease trap in British Columbia?

Pump the interceptor when FOG and solids reach 25% of the total liquid depth. Also pump it every 90 days — whichever comes first. Some undersized units need more frequent cleaning. Keep records of every cleaning.

What happens if my facility doesn't have a grease interceptor installed?

Operating without a grease trap is a serious violation under Bylaw 365. You face a penalty up to $500. There is also a $500 re-inspection fee. If effluent testing is needed, add a $300 sampling fee. You may have to stop operating until you install one. Every food service site that produces FOG must have a properly sized and maintained unit.

Can I use enzymes or chemical additives to reduce grease in my trap?

No. Metro Vancouver Bylaw 365 §7.4 bans adding hot water to push FOG through the trap. CRD rules ban enzymes or agents that let grease reach the sewer. Vancouver By-law 5320 caps discharge at 65°C. Do not use chemicals, enzymes, bacteria, solvents, or hot water. These products shift the problem downstream. Only certified haulers doing pump-outs are accepted.

Find Grease Trap Service in British Columbia

Our directory lists 32 certified grease trap service providers across British Columbia. They cover Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, and other areas. They offer pump-outs, maintenance, inspections, and compliance records. A good hauler keeps your records current and ready for an inspector. Visit our British Columbia grease trap service directory to find a provider near you.