Grease Trap Regulations in Alabama

Overview

Alabama food service operators answer to two layers of FOG rules. State oversight comes from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Local pretreatment rules come from city and county sewer authorities. Major counties rolled out grease control programs in October 2006 to stop sanitary sewer overflows and protect wastewater pipes. In 2026, both state safety law and local discharge limits apply, and the local rules vary by city.

Governing Authorities

ADEM is the lead state agency for wastewater rules. It runs most federal environmental programs in Alabama under EPA authorization.

Local authority depends on where you operate:

• Birmingham area: The Jefferson County Environmental Services Department runs the Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Control Program.
• Huntsville: The City of Huntsville Water Pollution Control (WPC) runs the Industrial Pretreatment Program for non-domestic wastewater.
• Montgomery: The Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board (MWWSSB) requires all food service facilities to keep fats, oils, and grease out of the sanitary sewer.
• Mobile and other cities: Each local sewer authority sets its own FOG rules.

Key Requirements

Food service establishments in Alabama must meet these grease trap and interceptor rules:

• Installation: Any business using commercial kitchen equipment must install a grease trap that meets state specs under Alabama Administrative Code 420-3-1-.17.
• Cleaning frequency (Birmingham): Most grease traps need cleaning every 30 to 90 days. The exact schedule depends on the size of the business and how much grease it makes.
• Cleaning frequency (Jefferson County): Indoor grease traps must be cleaned every two weeks. Outdoor in-ground tanks must be cleaned every three months.
• The 25% rule: A grease trap must be cleaned once FOG and food solids reach 25% of its capacity.
• Permits: Food service businesses need a FOG discharge permit from Jefferson County. Other cities may require a similar permit through the local sewer authority.
• Record keeping: Operators must keep cleaning and maintenance records for at least three years and produce them on request.
• Disposal: All FOG waste must go to licensed haulers approved by Jefferson County or the local authority.
• Safety covers: The Sadie Grace Andrews Act (Alabama Code 1975 § 22-20-5.2) requires that grease trap manholes be built to handle expected loads and to keep children out. Covers must be bolted, locked, or made of round cast iron.

Fines and Enforcement

Birmingham violations carry stiff penalties. Fines range from $500 to $10,000 per violation. Repeat or serious cases can trigger required infrastructure upgrades or even business closure.

Failing to secure a grease trap cover under the Sadie Grace Andrews Act brings a $100 civil penalty from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Each day the violation goes uncorrected adds another $100.

The city inspects food service sites on a regular schedule. Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) violate the Clean Water Act and expose Jefferson County to fines and lawsuits. The county can pass those costs back to the business that caused the overflow. Operators in violation may also lose their permit, face required system upgrades, and pay daily fines that climb until they fix the problem.

Major City FOG Programs

Birmingham and Jefferson County

Jefferson County launched its Grease Control Program in October 2006 to stop sanitary sewer overflows caused by FOG buildup. Indoor traps usually hold up to 50 gallons and need cleaning every two weeks. Outdoor traps usually hold 1,000 gallons and need cleaning every three months. Any exception requires written approval from Jefferson County Grease Control. The county also requires every grease trap installed after 2006 to have a sample vault on the outlet. Fines run from $500 to $10,000 per violation.

Mobile

Mobile runs its own FOG pretreatment program through the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS). Food service businesses must install and maintain grease interceptors. Cleaning frequency and fines depend on what MAWSS sets case by case. Operators should contact MAWSS directly for permits and compliance details.

Huntsville

Huntsville's Industrial Pretreatment Program covers any business that sends non-domestic wastewater into the city sewer. All such discharges need approval from Water Pollution Control (WPC). Applicants submit details so WPC can decide whether a State Indirect Discharge (SID) permit is also needed through ADEM. Huntsville handles its own air quality enforcement and runs its wastewater pretreatment program the same way.

Montgomery

The Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board (MWWSSB) requires every food service facility to keep fats, oils, and grease out of the sewer. Each food site needs an outdoor gravity grease interceptor with a separate sampling well. The minimum interceptor size is 300 gallons. The city sizes traps with a formula based on peak meal service and waste flow rates. Operators must enroll in the Board's Pretreatment Program and keep records on hand for inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to clean my grease trap in Alabama?

It depends on your location and trap type. In Jefferson County, indoor traps under 50 gallons must be cleaned every two weeks. Outdoor interceptors need quarterly cleaning. Most cities follow the 25% rule: clean the trap once FOG and solids reach 25% of capacity, whichever comes first. High-volume kitchens often need service more often.

What records must I keep for grease trap maintenance?

Alabama food service operators must keep cleaning and maintenance records for at least three years. You must produce them when an inspector asks. Each record should list the service date, licensed hauler, volume removed, and disposal manifest. These records prove compliance during health inspections and shield you from violations.

Do I need a special cover on my outdoor grease trap?

Yes. Under the Sadie Grace Andrews Act (Alabama Code § 22-20-5.2), every food service site with an outdoor grease trap must secure the cover so children cannot get in. Covers must be bolted or locked, or made of heavy cast iron rated for road traffic. Failing to comply costs $100 per day in civil penalties from the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Find Grease Trap Service in Alabama

Our Alabama directory currently lists 40 licensed grease trap service providers across the state, from Birmingham and Mobile to Huntsville and Montgomery. These pros offer pumping, cleaning, repair, and installation. They can help your food service business stay in step with state and local FOG rules. Find qualified, licensed providers in your area at https://greasetraplocator.com/us/alabama/.